New Law Gives Illinois Students 5 Mental Health Days

Students in Illinois will soon be able to take five mental health days off school.

By Andrea Guthmann
Students wear mask as they arrive at school for in-person learning at Holmes Middle School in Wheeling, Ill., on Oct. 21, 2020. Students in Illinois schools will be able to take up to five excused mental or behavioral health days beginning in January 2022.
Students wear mask as they arrive at school for in-person learning at Holmes Middle School in Wheeling, Ill., on Oct. 21, 2020. Students in Illinois schools will be able to take up to five excused mental or behavioral health days beginning in January 2022. AP
Students wear mask as they arrive at school for in-person learning at Holmes Middle School in Wheeling, Ill., on Oct. 21, 2020. Students in Illinois schools will be able to take up to five excused mental or behavioral health days beginning in January 2022.
Students wear mask as they arrive at school for in-person learning at Holmes Middle School in Wheeling, Ill., on Oct. 21, 2020. Students in Illinois schools will be able to take up to five excused mental or behavioral health days beginning in January 2022. AP

New Law Gives Illinois Students 5 Mental Health Days

Students in Illinois will soon be able to take five mental health days off school.

By Andrea Guthmann
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From COVID-19 to climate change and gun violence, kids have a lot on their minds these days. A new Illinois law will soon let them take off five mental health days a year.

GUESTS: Diana Castaneda, director of Youth and Family Services at Community Counseling Centers of Chicago

State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago)