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Introduction of A Bill to Add Suicide Prevention Resources to School Identification Cards

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 28, 2018
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care

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Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, in 2016, there were nearly 45,000 suicides nationwide, making it the tenth-leading cause of death.

Tragically, among teenagers and young adults, the suicide rate is particularly alarming, with suicide the second-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24.

For people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line provide free and confidential round-the-clock support. Many colleges and universities also offer mental health resources on campus.

To raise awareness of these available resources, my legislation simply requires colleges and universities to provide the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Crisis Text Line; and a campus mental health center, if applicable, on student identification cards. For colleges and universities that do not provide identification cards to their students, schools must ensure that the information is available on their website.

Suicide is a major public health problem. Providing information on existing suicide prevention resources can help students experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and potentially save lives.

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