Congressman Jolly Introduces Legislation for Suicide Prevention

Press Release

Congressman David Jolly (FL-13) introduced bipartisan legislation this week which would reauthorize one of the nation's largest commitments to youth suicide prevention.

"We each understand how devastating it can be for a family to lose a child to suicide. This bill is aimed at helping our youth at a critical time in their development by providing prevention and outreach programs with the resources they need to help our kids before it's too late," Congressman Jolly said.

The legislation, known as the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization, is being introduced along with Congressman Danny Davis (IL-7). The bill would reauthorize the Suicide Prevention Resource Center to continue to provide critical research, training, and assistance for all of those contemplating suicide. Further, the measure would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award the currently available grants to enhance services for students with mental health or substance use disorders within colleges and universities.

"Though suicide is often thought of as a mystery, there are some things we know about suicide: suicide is a leading cause of death for young people age 15-24; while risk factors for suicide vary with age, gender and ethnic group important risk factors have been identified; with education, awareness and appropriate support suicide can be prevented. This legislation is a significant step in the prevention program," Congressman Davis said.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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