Underwood, Schrier, Schatz Introduce Legislation to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis
WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Child Suicide Prevention Act, legislation that would address suicide among children and young adults by providing evidence-based training to current and future health care professionals. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. From 2000 to 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that suicide rates among young Americans increased 52 percent.
“I have heard from so many young people about their challenges and struggles with mental health. We can and we must do better for our kids, and I want them to know that there is hope,” said Underwood. “Representative Schrier, Senator Schatz, and I introduced the Child Suicide Prevention Act to make sure health care providers are equipped with life-saving training and interventions backed by data. Our legislation takes meaningful action so that young people can get the help they need to lead safe and healthy lives.”
“As a pediatrician, children's health and well-being have always been my top priority,”said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “We are in the midst of an unprecedented youth mental health crisis that has led to skyrocketing suicide rates among children. We must do all we can to address this crisis head-on, which is why I’m proud to introduce legislation to give healthcare providers the tools and resources they need to help keep our children safe.”
“Youth suicide is a crisis in Hawai‘i and across America, and we need to do everything we can to get young people help when they need it,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill provides important training and resources to medical professionals who will be able to deliver timely help and prevent these tragedies.”
The Child Suicide Prevention Act would provide funding for evidence-based training on youth suicide prevention to current and future health care professionals. Additionally, the bill would create a centralized database of resources where at-risk youth and their families, medical and nursing schools, and health care professionals can turn for best practices in suicide prevention.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Rep. Underwood’s website also includes a Behavioral Health Resources page to help our community find support.