Suicide Prevention

Congress should fund projects to demonstrate evidence-based interventions for Black youth and other underserved populations for which there have been limited research.[1]

To reduce the risk of firearm-related violence and suicide, the Department of Justice should encourage states to adopt and enforce Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) laws, which allow law enforcement and family members to petition the court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others.[1] Congress should appropriate funds through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program to support the implementation and enforcement of ERPO laws, including funding for training programs for law enforcement and mental health professionals.

Congress should appropriate additional funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) to fund additional research on Black youth mental health and suicide.[1]

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) should update and expand the Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center and Best Practices Registry, respectively, to highlight effective strategies for fatal and non-fatal suicide-related events.[1]

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) should work with states to standardize procedures and reporting of drug-related and suicide deaths.

The Executive Branch should continue to fight anti-LGBTQ+ laws enacted at the state or local level that violate federal law or the U.S. Constitution and harm LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth.