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Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8989| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
Brittany Pettersen

Brittany Pettersen

Democratic Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (1)
Rudy Yakym (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a comprehensive program aimed at preventing suicide among children and adolescents. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement demonstration programs that develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention. These programs are primarily intended for implementation in schools , other educational institutions, and various child and youth-support settings, requiring coordination with relevant state, tribal, and local agencies. The legislation defines "evidence-based" interventions across three tiers: strong, moderate, and promising evidence, with funding prioritized for interventions supported by higher levels of evidence. Eligible entities for these programs include states, educational agencies, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Activities may involve piloting and scaling programs, evaluating existing protocols, and monitoring a range of outcomes such as student mental health, academic performance, and social-emotional well-being. The Secretary is also mandated to provide technical assistance, ensure community engagement, and submit annual reports to Congress on program results and findings.
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Timeline
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8989| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a comprehensive program aimed at preventing suicide among children and adolescents. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement demonstration programs that develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention. These programs are primarily intended for implementation in schools , other educational institutions, and various child and youth-support settings, requiring coordination with relevant state, tribal, and local agencies. The legislation defines "evidence-based" interventions across three tiers: strong, moderate, and promising evidence, with funding prioritized for interventions supported by higher levels of evidence. Eligible entities for these programs include states, educational agencies, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Activities may involve piloting and scaling programs, evaluating existing protocols, and monitoring a range of outcomes such as student mental health, academic performance, and social-emotional well-being. The Secretary is also mandated to provide technical assistance, ensure community engagement, and submit annual reports to Congress on program results and findings.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Brittany Pettersen

Brittany Pettersen

Democratic Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (1)
Rudy Yakym (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted