Hawaii Senator Introduces Legislation To Prevent Youth Suicide
To prevent youth suicide, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act that would fund suicide prevention initiatives and ensure healthcare providers receive training to prevent intentional harm.
Moreover, the bill aims to create a centralized hub to provide safety information and support to at-risk youth.
Youth suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 10-24. Between 2000 and 2021, suicide rates among young Americans increased by 52% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
During the pandemic, the CDC also found a significant increase in emergency department visits for suicide attempts among young adolescents aged 12-17.
The bill prepares healthcare professionals to identify and respond to early warning signs through evidence-based suicide prevention training and providing funding to connect at-risk patients with crisis support resources.
“Youth suicide is a crisis in Hawai‘i and across America, and we need to do everything we can to get young people help when they need it,” said Sen. Schatz.
“This bill provides important training and resources to medical professionals who will be able to deliver timely help and prevent these tragedies.”
The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Additionally, a companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.).
More than 30 organizations support the legislation including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, American Hospital Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, Federation of American Hospitals, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, SMART Recovery, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, PA Education Association, Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies, Newtown Action Alliance Foundation, National Association of Social Workers, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, Sandy Hook Promise, Illinois Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Doc Wayne, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, March for Our Lives, Active Minds, Giffords, Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Public Health Association – Public Health Nursing Section, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, Association of Public Health Nurses, National Association of School Nurses, Rural Nurse Organization, and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
