Smith Focuses On Suicide Deaths Among Children and Young Adults
Legislation Emphasizes Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies
Washington, DC - Today, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) joined Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Mike DeWine (R-OH) to introduce the Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Expansion Act (S.2175) to improve access to proven techniques of prevention and intervention used to reduce suicide deaths among children and young adults.
Over 3,000 children and young adults take their lives each year, making suicide the third leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 24.
"When compared with our knowledge of the human body, what we understand about the mind is stuck in the rudiments. This deficiency combined with a societal stigma has long conspired to prevent us from confronting many of the issues surrounding suicide. By promoting early intervention I hope this legislation will help us more vigorously address the diseases of the mind," Smith said.
S.2175 supports, coordinates, and furthers the work already being done by several states, localities and the federal government in the area of youth suicide intervention and prevention. The bill would devote $25 million annually to two new grant initiatives to support further development and expansion of statewide youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies such as screening, assessment, mentoring, and counseling. Those services will be provided in an array of youth-oriented settings including schools, juvenile justice systems, foster care systems, substance abuse treatment centers, and mental health programs.
The bill would also encourage the establishment of a comprehensive federal strategy implemented to share data, disseminate research, or coordinate the evaluations on the efficacy of early intervention and prevention programs specifically related to youth suicide.
