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Bill Summary · HB 1159

Summary of HB 1159 (2025 Session) – Investing in Teen Mental Health

Purpose and intent

  • The bill authorizes a one-time General Fund appropriation to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Child and Family Well-Being, to expand access to Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
  • It frames the funding as an investment in teen mental health to address high levels of distress and low rates of seeking professional help among high school students.

Key provisions

Section 1 — Appropriation

  • Provides a nonrecurring appropriation of $1,290,626 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Source: General Fund, to be allocated to DHHS, Division of Child and Family Well-Being.
  • Objective: Expand access to Teen MHFA and Youth MHFA training across North Carolina.

Section 2 — Effective date

  • The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Background and context referenced in the bill

  • Widespread teen mental health concerns in North Carolina, including:
    • 10% of high school students reported attempting suicide in the last year.
    • 22% of students who contemplated suicide indicated they did not seek professional help.
  • Teen MHFA is described as an evidence-based course for students in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among peers.
  • The curriculum focuses on recognizing signs and connecting peers with trusted adults during crises.
  • History and impact data cited:
    • UNC has trained 7,527 individuals in Youth/Teen MHFA across 44 counties.
    • 212 Youth and/or Teen MHFA instructors trained since 2023.
    • Completion of Teen MHFA is associated with a 50% increase in teens’ willingness to seek help or tell someone about mental health concerns.

Stakeholders affected

  • Primary: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Child and Family Well-Being.
  • Secondary: School districts, students (teens in grades 9-12 or ages 14-18), educators, school counselors, and community organizations involved in MHFA training.
  • External partners (as cited by the bill): The University of North Carolina system (as a program implementer/trainer) and local counties participating in MHFA training.

Financial and timeline details

  • Funding: One-time (nonrecurring) appropriation of $1,290,626 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Use: To expand access to Teen MHFA and Youth MHFA training in North Carolina.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.

Potential impact

  • Increased availability and scale of Teen MHFA training across NC, potentially leading to:
    • More teens trained to recognize signs of mental health and substance use issues.
    • Improved peer-to-peer support and earlier engagement with trusted adults or professionals.
    • A measurable shift toward increased willingness among teens to seek help, as suggested by prior program outcomes (noted 50% increase in willingness).

Summary takeaway

HB 1159 seeks a targeted, nonrecurring appropriation to strengthen teen mental health support infrastructure by expanding Teen Mental Health First Aid training. If enacted, the funding would support broader implementation of MHFA programs, leveraging existing UNC-backed training networks, with the aim of improving help-seeking behavior and early intervention for youth mental health and substance use challenges.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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