AP

Published on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Print This Article
Durbin introduces mental health bill


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Last updated on 00/00/0000 at 12:00 a.m.

Senator Dick Durbin says the Valentine's Day shootings at Northern Illinois University show the need for improved mental health services on college campuses.

Durbin on Wednesday introduced The Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act.

He says it would create a grant program so colleges can identify students with mental health needs and also treat students who ask for help.

Durbin says experts recommend counselor-to-student ratios of one to 1,000 or 1,500. But he says the average ratio on U.S. campuses is one counselor for every 2,000 students.

Steven Kazmierczak opened fire in a Cole Hall classroom, killing five students before committing suicide. Officials and friends have said he struggled to cope with mental health problems.

Comment On This Article

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.


  • Your name:
  • Enter text from image:
  • Your comment:
Question of the Day
Only who can prevent forest fires?
you
me

Sign up to receive Northern Star headlines in your inbox, delivered weekdays at 6 a.m.


Feedback? E-mail us.
Real-time updates of recently viewed articles on the site.

1  NIU's inability to capitalize on miscues costs...

2  Is 4 year college goal reasonable for students...

3  Announcing my candidacy for DeKalb Court...

4  Reality TV is the product of society

5  Down and out: Huskies lose to Kent State 10-3