Burgess reacts to BIG Act passing the House

Press Release

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the BIG Act.

"The world of American students has been turned upside down because of this pandemic," said Congressman Burgess. "It is important that as we are sending them back into the classroom, we are also taking precautions to ensure their safety on all fronts. The BIG Act is critical legislation that will equip schools and communities with the tools they need to ensure the safety and health of each student. By providing schools with best practices for behavioral health intervention training and services, we can work to prevent further tragedy from happening. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this legislation so that the President can swiftly sign it into law."

Around the country, researchers are finding innovative ways to serve students and promote school safety and access to mental health services -- regardless of where they are located. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has developed a project that helps rural students access quality mental health care services via telemedicine. This work is just one example of the value the BIG Act would create in facilitating collaboration in our communities.

"I appreciate the bipartisan legislation that continues the awareness and support for mental health resources for our K-12 education systems. One of our System's four universities, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, has developed a telemedicine wellness project to assist rural West Texas school districts addressing mental health issues among our state's youth," said Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. "The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the utilization of telemedicine throughout the nation and mental health screening programs continue to be an asset. Our university's program successfully utilizes modern telemedicine technology to provide resources and services directly to the schools. This legislation is an important step to provide information and resources to help support the mental health needs of our youth."

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