The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) report on 2021 suicides quantify what many of us have already observed: U.S. suicide deaths rose after a brief decline. The increase is most profound among young men, 15 to 24 years old, for whom the suicide rate was double (+8 percent) that of Americans overall (+4 percent). Young women were also affected; suicide was the second leading cause of death for all Americans, 10 to 34 in the past year.
According to John MacPhee, CEO of the Jed Foundation, “Those who are concerned about this crisis must call on this Congress to support national mental health prioritization and planning by finalizing legislation based on H.R. 5407 sponsored by Reps. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) and Fred Keller (R-Pa.) and its companion measure, S. 4970 sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal and (D-Conn.) Tim Scott (R-S.C.) by the end of the year. This legislation would ensure that colleges and universities use evidence-based policies to implement comprehensive suicide prevention programs. It is much needed; it can take months for young people to find a therapist for long-term support.”
To view the companion bills for the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act:
Click here for HR 5407
Click here for S 4970