State-based Programs

This is about a news article that a student shared with the class. I just need your opinion of the two questions the student asked at the end of the article. I will place the URL to the article and you can read it and state your opinion based on the two questions she asked. You do not need to write a full page just half or less of a page will do. See Below! This NBC news article mentions a major budget cut in New Jersey that will consequently impact the accessibility of school-based programs. These programs give support and guidance for students in the areas of sexual assault, LGBTQ support, teen pregnancy, and more. However, the funding will be distributed towards state-based programs as an alternative choice. The social determinant of public health issue that is addressed in this article is the lack of resources to health services due to legislative budget cuts. The reemergence from isolation due to COVID-19 has been detrimental to mental health making these services essential and accessible to students is a necessity especially in a setting that they feel comfortable in. Furthermore, the article states that school-based programs were critical for students who may live in an abusive home and for students who did not feel comfortable speaking with a therapist at home. All in all, New Jersey’s budgeting cuts will greatly impact the health of many students who need these services.  Questions: Do you think that the alternative choice to fund the state-based programs is a better choice than cutting the school-based programs? What would you do if you had the legislative power to control the outcome of this situation? https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-jersey-may-cut-mental-health-services-schools-amid-pandemic-n1239915