Blackshear Completes Walk from Dayton to Statehouse for Mental Health Awareness

Today, state Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton) concluded his 72-mile walk for Mental Health Awareness Month with a press conference outlining mental health resources and the need for legislative action.

“There is truly a strong coalition of mental health advocates here in Ohio, and it is so important that we work together to destigmatize mental health,” said Blackshear. “When I came up with the idea to walk in support of Mental Health Awareness, I hoped it would generate enthusiasm. I could not have imagined the incredible reaction from my community in District 6, people all over Ohio, and the local and state organizations doing the critical work day-in and day-out to support mental health we received.”

Senator Blackshear highlighted two pieces of his legislation, Senate Bill 121, which would designate April as Counseling Awareness Month, and Senate Bill 330, which would enact the Student Wellness Act to allow school districts to implement a policy permitting a student’s mental health day to count as an excused absence.

“There is still so much work to do at the state level to make affordable and accessible mental healthcare a reality, “said Blackshear. “I hope the Student Wellness Act can allow young people to learn to take care of their mental health from an early age and help them get access to the guidance and resources they need, because it’s okay to not be okay. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Blackshear was joined by Tonya Fulwider, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Ohio, and Autumn Kessler from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.