Oregon HB 2191: Mental Health Days Boost Youth Well‑Being

The speaker was diagnosed with trauma‑induced anxiety and clinical depression at age six. A childhood agreement allowed three “mental health rest days” per semester, which helped maintain academic success despite overwhelming school environments, breakdowns, and panic attacks. At that time, youth mental health was rarely discussed.

Broader Societal Issue

The speaker stresses that everyone has mental health, not only those with formal diagnoses. Mental health intertwines with physical well‑being and can appear as nausea, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath. A turning point came after suicides in the speaker’s hometown and similar stories heard across Oregon. A 2018 forum with about 100 high‑school students revealed that every participant knew a peer who had experienced a mental‑health crisis at school. Research shows suicide is the second leading cause of death for Oregon youth ages 10‑24.

Legislative Action

To end stigma and prioritize mental health in schools, “Students for a Healthy Oregon” was formed. Working with lobbyists and professionals, the group introduced House Bill 2191. The bill, signed into law in June 2019, permits students to take mental‑health days off as excused absences, treating them the same as physical‑health days.

Impact and Future Implications of HB 2191

Under the law, parents must call the school to excuse a mental‑health day, and schools track the number of days taken. If a student exceeds a set threshold, the school refers the student to a counselor for a check‑in, creating an early‑intervention pathway. The legislation encourages conversations between students and parents, supports self‑care, and could save lives by giving students a clear route to seek help. Students in California and Colorado are now working to pass comparable laws.

Broader Vision for Mental Health Support

HB 2191 is notable because it places mental health on equal footing with physical health. The speaker likens the need for mental‑health education to the widespread CPR training found in schools, urging similar crisis‑response training and ongoing mental‑health curricula. The goal is a world where individuals possess a toolkit for helping others in mental‑health emergencies, with resources readily available in schools. It is always okay to not be okay and to take breaks—whether a full day or a few moments. Like pacing in a long‑distance race, regular breaks prevent burnout and lead to greater long‑term success. The speaker calls on everyone to look after each other, especially those who appear to be managing well, and to practice consistent self‑care.