Today, the bipartisan Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026, led by Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), was introduced in the House of Representatives.
The bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop evidence-based strategies to help prevent youth suicide.
“As a father of three, I know there is nothing more important than protecting our children,” Rep. Yakym said. “I’m proud to join Rep. Pettersen in co-leading this important bill, which will take meaningful, evidence-based steps to educate the public and prevent youth suicide. We cannot accept that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people. We can do more to save lives and give families hope.”
“I lost my brother, Justin, to suicide over 15 years ago – there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and wish he was still here with us,” Rep. Pettersen said. “Unfortunately, he slipped through the cracks because he did not have access to the support he needed while struggling. And I know so many families and kids are in the same boat, which is why our communities need investments in programs that work. This bill does just that by investing in strategies that we can know can actually make a difference and save the lives of people like my brother, Justin, before it’s too late.”
Full bill text can be found here.
Background:
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, and schools are often the first place that warning signs emerge. While communities across the country are working to address this crisis, many school districts and local organizations lack clear evidence-based strategies to determine what approaches will prevent these tragedies before they occur.
The bill takes steps to address youth suicide by:
- Creating a competitive federal grant program to help states, school districts, and local communities develop effective youth suicide prevention programs.
- Prioritizing local flexibility to ensure that resources are delivered to communities who can to tailor programs most effectively for their needs.
Indiana Pork and Indiana Beef donate State Fair food to support flood-ravaged communities
Parke County native enjoys success with latest business endeavor
IDEM reminds residents to sort and safely dispose of flood debris
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton
Indiana law enforcement to increase impaired driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day
Gov. Braun assesses flood damage, takes additional action to help recovery
Indiana State Fair "Taste of the Fair" presented by Pepsi announces 2026 winners
Indiana Agriculture and Technology School featured at recent Rockville Rotary meeting
Dwight Ashley joins Rockville Rotary
Greencastle Music Fest is this weekend
Little Italy Festival is right around the corner
Indiana launches emergency program for veterans impacted by historical flooding
Driver charged after spotted by officer speeding and driving recklessly
Gov. Braun requests Presidential Emergency Declaration following this week's severe weather
INDOT, ISP urge safe travel as flooding, rainfall and severe weather continue
