OLYMPIA – A bill to improve student mental health by expanding the school behavioral health workforce was heard in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 5369, sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines), would authorize educational service districts to work with local mental and behavioral health agencies and universities to help arrange in-school placements of social worker associates, candidates, and professionals. “In 2023, 30% of Washington students were chronically absent from school. We have seen rates of youth suicide and suicide attempts increase by 600% over the last decade and a half, according to the DCYF,” Orwall said. “Ensuring students can access behavioral health care is a critical step towards getting our students back ...
Read MoreAbout Sen. Orwall
Tina has represented the 33rd district since 2009 and has led efforts on rape kit reform, suicide prevention, anti-trafficking laws, consumer protections, language access in schools, air quality and other issues critical to South King County.
She was appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2024 after serving 15 years in the House of Representatives. She has worked with all levels of government to help embrace best practices to better serve the community. Her 20 years of experience working in the public mental health system, as well as her expertise in strategic planning in workforce development and affordable housing have established her as a valued legislator and community leader.
Read Sen. Orwall’s full biography here.