Daley highlights legislation for mental health training in schools
Rep. Mary Jo Daley May 14, 2025 | 2:07 PM
HARRISBURG, May 14 – In concert with Mental Health Awareness Month, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, today highlighted the need for Pennsylvania school coaches to receive mental health training. She was joined by students, coaches, and friends and relatives of students who have struggled with mental health issues or been lost to suicide.
Daley’s upcoming bill would require that coaches receive mental health awareness training similar to training required of other school personnel. The bill would also ensure that all students, their parents or guardians, athletic staff and extracurricular advisors are informed of the availability of mental health services within their school and/or local community.
“School is the central part of a young person’s life for the majority of our first two decades,” Daley said. “For many students, school isn’t just about classes – it’s where they grow, socialize and find their sense of belonging. Extracurriculars like sports often deepen that connection, making school a really big part of their daily lives. That’s why the role of teachers, coaches and mentors is so critical. These dedicated individuals shape lives not just by teaching lessons or leading practice, but by being present, involved and supportive.”
A recent study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found that only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources, and 67% want more training and information on the subject.
“Kids look to so many adults in their lives for help and guidance and most of those adults can sense when a kid is struggling,” said state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh. “It is so important for adults in our schools to have the tools and knowledge needed to support students as they build their skills, confidence and connection to others.”
"Most coaches are clearly asking for this kind of training," said Mekkai Williams, a Millersville University student and mental health advocate who has supported Daley’s legislation. "We already require training for physical health – so why should mental health, which matters just as much, be treated any differently?"
“No young person should have to struggle in silence,” said Julia Fallows, a track and field standout at Millersville University who spoke up for Daley’s legislation. “This legislation is a necessary measure to bring us one step closer to that goal.”
“It’s time to act now,” said Miranda Jenkins, who is a social worker and swim coach at York Suburban. “Twenty-two percent of high school students have seriously considered suicide in the last year. Imagine if they had a coach, a trusted adult or a school resource that they could utilize to get help. Imagine if that coach had mandatory training in mental health to support student athletes holistically.”
“We are here to help student athletes. We train you for a sport. We train you for a test. We’re prepared for cardiac arrest. We need to be prepared to teach and expose our coaches and give them the teaching for warning signs for mental health struggles,” said Andrew Erby, athletic director and head football coach at Steelton-Highspire.