Teachers in the state of Illinois could soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a new proposal passed by the Illinois Senate.
Backed by State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield, the measure builds on a 2021 law expanding suicide and crisis helpline awareness House Bill 3000 would require all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs.in schools by ensuring all employees in school districts have this information on their ID cards.
Currently, this information is required to be in student handbooks or planners and on student IDs if schools issue them.
“As societal pressures grow, more people are prioritizing their mental health, helping to break down the stigma surrounding it,” said Turner. “Resources need to be easily accessible, especially for teachers who may need it for themselves or a student in a time of need.”
House Bill 3000, having been approved by the House of Representatives, passed the Senate with bipartisan support, and now awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature.
“Teachers don’t have an easy job,” Turner told the press, “they show support for our kids every day, and when they need help, we need to ensure support is accessible for them too.”
