This resolution acknowledges the significant and continuing disparities in mental health access and treatment for Black youth, noting that suicide rates among Black adolescents are rising faster than other racial and ethnic groups. From 2007 to 2023, the suicide rate for Black adolescents aged 10 to 17 increased by 149 percent, with a substantial number of Black high school students reporting serious consideration or attempts of suicide. Despite an overall downward trend in youth suicide, the rate for Black youth continues to climb, and they are less likely to receive necessary mental healthcare. The resolution references the Congressional Black Caucus's "Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America" report, which made several recommendations, including increasing research, funding for Black researchers, and evidence-based interventions. While positive developments occurred under a previous administration, the resolution expresses concern that the current administration has reversed much of this progress through cuts to research grants and mental health services. It emphasizes that mental health should remain a non-partisan issue requiring full congressional support. Therefore, the House of Representatives resolves to recognize these disparities and calls on the current administration to address them by continuing prior work and incorporating the "Ring the Alarm" recommendations. It advocates for increased funding for all mental health programs and supports SAMHSA remaining an independent agency. The resolution also stresses the importance of fostering community conversations, reducing stigma, and providing educational programming to prevent suicide among Black youth.
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Timeline
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Recognizing the continuing disparities in Black youth mental health access and treatment.
USA119th CongressHRES-764| House
| Updated: 9/23/2025
This resolution acknowledges the significant and continuing disparities in mental health access and treatment for Black youth, noting that suicide rates among Black adolescents are rising faster than other racial and ethnic groups. From 2007 to 2023, the suicide rate for Black adolescents aged 10 to 17 increased by 149 percent, with a substantial number of Black high school students reporting serious consideration or attempts of suicide. Despite an overall downward trend in youth suicide, the rate for Black youth continues to climb, and they are less likely to receive necessary mental healthcare. The resolution references the Congressional Black Caucus's "Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America" report, which made several recommendations, including increasing research, funding for Black researchers, and evidence-based interventions. While positive developments occurred under a previous administration, the resolution expresses concern that the current administration has reversed much of this progress through cuts to research grants and mental health services. It emphasizes that mental health should remain a non-partisan issue requiring full congressional support. Therefore, the House of Representatives resolves to recognize these disparities and calls on the current administration to address them by continuing prior work and incorporating the "Ring the Alarm" recommendations. It advocates for increased funding for all mental health programs and supports SAMHSA remaining an independent agency. The resolution also stresses the importance of fostering community conversations, reducing stigma, and providing educational programming to prevent suicide among Black youth.