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Introduction of Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act of 2021

Floor Speech

Date: April 30, 2021
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Higher Education Health and Health Care

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Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, in 2017, there were more than 47,000 suicides nationwide, making it the tenth-leading cause of death. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened an already serious problem.

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 15 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, the bill 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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