Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 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.