Governor Dunleavy Vetoes Key Mental Health Education Bill for Alaska Schools
JUNEAU, AK – On Thursday, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed SB 41, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving mental health education in Alaska’s public schools. This legislation was designed to provide students with age-appropriate information on mental health, helping them recognize distress in themselves and others, reduce stigma, and learn how to ask for help. Inseparable, a national mental health advocacy organization, is now urging the state legislature to quickly override the veto.
The proposed bill intended for the State Board of Education to create guidelines for mental health education. Given the pressing mental health challenges faced by youth in Alaska, advocates believe this knowledge is more crucial than ever. The governor’s decision has disappointed many, including students, families, educators, and mental health professionals, who have been vocal in their call for stronger youth mental health support.
“Good mental health education is vital for student success,” stated Angela Kimball, Chief Advocacy Officer at Inseparable. “It helps reduce stigma and empowers young people to seek help when they need it. We’ve seen strong support for this from various community members and lawmakers. Governor Dunleavy’s veto does not reflect the needs of the community. We are thankful to Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson for sponsoring this important bill and to all the legislators who backed it. We ask the legislature to act swiftly to override this veto.”
Local advocates and community members played a crucial role in pushing SB 41 through the legislature, showing their commitment to prioritize mental health care and safety throughout Alaska.
In March, Inseparable joined forces with advocates from the Alaska chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) during their Advocacy in Action Day at the Capitol. Community members shared powerful stories about the effects of suicide on their lives, emphasizing the need for this legislation, along with companion bills HB138/SB196, which focus on establishing sustainable funding for crisis response services.
“This year, our communities spoke up for what matters, and legislators listened,” said Jim Biela, Field Ambassador for AFSP in Alaska. “Brave students shared their experiences, highlighting the impact of suicide. It’s disheartening that the governor vetoed a bill with strong bipartisan support. We urge the legislature to override this veto and ensure our students receive the mental health education they need. With one of the highest youth suicide rates in the country, prioritizing mental health education is crucial for Alaska’s young people. Our communities are in crisis, and we need urgency from our leaders.”
