Should Congress provide schools with targeted training to address rising student suicide rates?
The Suicide and Threat Assessment Nationally Dedicated to Universal Protection (STANDUP) Act requires state, tribal, and local educational agencies that receive grant funding for priority mental-health needs, including through the Project AWARE State Education Agency Grant Program, to establish and implement evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention training policies.
In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior, must provide educational agencies with best practices for these trainings.
Sponsor: Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, New Hampshire)
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Opponents say
• "You are actually advertising suicide. Some of these kids, they’re just trying to get through the day, get through compacted math, get through algebra, go to cotillion on Sunday. They are not thinking about these issues." Source: Tara Eddins (Southlake Families PAC)
Proponents say
• "During National Suicide Prevention Week, we recognize how the bipartisan STANDUP Act can save lives... Students across the country are starting the new school year under uniquely difficult circumstances, and COVID-19 has exacerbated the mental health risks that can lead to suicide. The STANDUP Act promotes youth mental health awareness among schools and communities to prevent violence and suicide." Source: Rep. Scott Peters (Democrat, California, District 52)
• "The prevalence of youth suicide is heartbreaking, and amid significant mental health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more crucial than ever that we work together to address this issue … This bill would provide vital support to young people by helping implement evidence-based policies to reduce the risk of suicide. I am glad to work on a bipartisan basis with Senator Ernst on this issue, and I urge the Senate to pass this much-needed bill." Source: Sen. Maggie Hassan (Democrat, New Hampshire)
• "In 2019 one out of every five high school students in Iowa considered suicide. As a mom, this is a truly heartbreaking statistic, and we need to do more to raise awareness and prevent these tragic deaths. That’s why I’m working with Democrats and Republicans to ensure that state and local educational agencies that receive federal grants for mental health support implement evidence-based suicide prevention and awareness programs" Source: Sen. Joni Ernst (Republican, Iowa)
