Organization calls for more federal resources as teen suicide rates rise

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As youth mental health challenges continue to rise, one national organization is calling for more federal resources.

This effort comes as teens are dying by suicide at higher rates nationwide.

The latest Trust for America’s Health Report reveals the youth suicide rate increased by 71 percent between 2010 and 2021.

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That’s one of the reasons why the Health Policy Organization is pushing for federal support.

“We can prevent suicide. We have evidence-based programs. We have to invest in those programs so we can expand them across communities,” Dr. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health, said.

In the report, the group wants Congress to pass what’s called the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act.

It would distribute nearly $1 billion in grants.

That money could be used to help set up behavioral healthcare teams in underserved communities.

“We need to increase and bolster the workforce that is serving these communities as well in particular in their times of greatest need,” Gracia said.

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Advocates also want the federal government to improve how quickly it collects mental health information.

They believe near real-time data could help public health officials track suicide rates and identify inequities.

Turning to schools, Gracia believes there should be more training for staff and teachers.

This includes expanding access to diverse and culturally appropriate support.

“They can go to a school where kids spend a great deal of their time and know that they may have peers that they can speak to, mentors and other role models they can confide to,” Gracia said.

Health organizations also want communities to continue increasing support for the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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