Bill · H.R. 8989· House(119-HR-8989)
Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Brittany Pettersen
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to run demonstration programs to develop and evaluate ways to prevent suicide among children and adolescents. These programs will prioritize implementation in schools and other youth-support settings. The Secretary is tasked with carrying out these programs through various entities such as States, educational agencies, and non-profits. The goal is to use evidence-based strategies to address the high rates of suicide, depression, and feelings of hopelessness among students.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would children be better off under this?+8
The bill specifically targets the prevention of suicide and mental health crises among children and adolescents.
Would students be better off under this?+8
The bill focuses on improving student mental health, safety, and social-emotional learning within educational institutions.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+7
The bill establishes demonstration programs to develop and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent suicide among children and adolescents.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Suicide Prevention via Evidence-Based Strategies: The bill directs the Secretary to develop and implement strategies specifically designed to prevent suicide among children and adolescents (Section 3, subsection a).
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Prioritization of School Settings: The program will prioritize schools and educational institutions, which are noted as places where warning signs often emerge (Section s, subsection b; Section 2, subsection 1).
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Support for Diverse Entities: Funding and programs can be implemented through various groups, including States, local educational agencies, Tribes, and higher education institutions (Section 3, subsection c).
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Focus on Comprehensive Student Success: The Secretary will monitor outcomes that go beyond just mental health, including academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and student engagement (Section 3, subsection h).
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Technical Assistance for Recipients: The Secretary will provide help to those receiving assistance regarding data collection, evaluation design, and reporting (Section 3, subsection e).
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Community Involvement: The bill requires that programs be developed in consultation with the communities they are intended to benefit (Section 3, subsection i).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly detailed within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+8Good For Students+8Good For Young Adults+6Good For Native Americans+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+7
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+5
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Rudy YakymRepublican · Indiana