The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded nearly $6 million to states, tribes and college campuses for youth suicide-prevention programs.
HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is administering the funding, HHS states in its June 1 announcement. SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that in 2021, approximately 12.3 million adults ages 18 or older and approximately 3.3 million adolescents ages 12 to 17 had thought seriously about suicide, according to the news release.
“Thanks to President Biden, we are finally and seriously saying to young Americans struggling with their mental health: We hear you. Support is here,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release. “Support is here for young people through their colleges and universities, foster care programs, and countless other youth-serving organizations.”
The Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program awarded $3.6 million of the $5.9 million total, HHS reports. The GLS program "supports states and tribes with implementing youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies in schools, institutions of higher education, juvenile justice systems, substance use and mental health programs, foster care systems and other child and youth-serving organizations," HHS states in the news release.
The GLS Campus Suicide Prevention Program awarded $2.3 million to college campuses to support mental-health services for all college students that would help to mitigate mental and substance-use disorders, prevent and reduce suicide, identify and treat at-risk students and promote student efforts to seek professional support, according to the release.
HHS launched the national 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022, a 24/7 service for individuals of any age who are in a mental-health crisis to connect with counselors, the release reports. A trial service for LGBTQI+ youth provides access to specially trained crisis counselors, according to the release.
“Too many young lives are cut short due to suicide, which is sadly one of the leading causes of death for young people. We want them, and anyone having thoughts of suicide, to know that there is hope, and there is help,” SAMHSA director Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., said in the news release. “With the right care, anyone affected by or at risk for suicide, mental health, and substance use conditions can recover, achieve well-being, and thrive.”
A Notice of Funding opportunity was recently announced by HHS for a grant program that will support measures to promote well-being and prevent health and behavioral-health risks for LFBTQI+ youth, the release reports. The LGBTQI+ Family Support funding will develop family counseling and support programs, and training service providers on effective, evidence-based approaches, according to the release.
The Biden administration has invested nearly $9 billion in SAMHSA grants, including $3.7 billion through the American Rescue Plan and over $800 million through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, "as part of President Biden’s comprehensive efforts to improve access to mental health care, prevent overdoses, and save lives," the release states.
"Addressing the mental health crisis is a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration, and part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda for the nation," HHS states in the release.
