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Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act
3/7/2024, 9:08 AM
Summary of Bill S 3779
The bill focuses on several key components. Firstly, it seeks to establish a grant program to provide funding to states and local communities for the implementation of evidence-based suicide prevention programs specifically targeting children and adolescents. These programs would aim to increase awareness, provide resources, and offer support to at-risk youth.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of restricting access to lethal means, such as firearms and medications, which are commonly used in suicide attempts. It encourages the development of strategies to promote safe storage practices and reduce the availability of these means to children and teenagers. Furthermore, the legislation calls for the creation of a national public awareness campaign to educate the public about the warning signs of suicide and the importance of seeking help. This campaign would aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage individuals to reach out for support. Overall, Bill 118 s 3779 is a comprehensive effort to address the troubling issue of child suicide and promote safety measures to prevent access to lethal means. By focusing on prevention, education, and access to resources, the bill aims to make a meaningful impact in reducing the incidence of youth suicide in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 3779
Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish grant programs and set up a website to reduce suicide rates among youth and young adults (those under age 26), including by addressing the use of firearms in suicides and suicide attempts.
Specifically, HHS must award grants to states, Indian tribes, health departments, hospitals, or other organizations to train health care providers on lethal means safety (e.g., safe storage of firearms), relevant laws concerning the use and possession of firearms, and other suicide prevention and intervention strategies for youth and young adults. Grantees may use a portion of funds to make secure gun storage or safety devices available to residences with an individual under age 26 who is at risk of suicide.
In addition, HHS must award grants to health professional schools to integrate content into their curricula and continuing education programs about suicide prevention strategies and interventions to reduce suicide rates among youth and young adults.
The bill also requires HHS to develop and maintain a website that contains information for individuals under age 26, their families, health care providers, and health professional schools concerning suicide prevention and the use of firearms in suicide attempts.
