[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 75 (Friday, April 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR STUDENTS ACT OF 2021

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 30, 2021

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, in 2017, there were more 
than 47,000 suicides nationwide, making it the tenth-leading cause of 
death. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened an already serious 
problem.
  Tragically, among teenagers and young adults, the suicide rate is 
particularly alarming, with suicide the second-leading cause of death 
for people between the ages of 15 and 24.
  For people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line provide free 
and confidential round-the-clock support. Many colleges and 
universities also offer mental health resources on campus.
  To raise awareness of these available resources, the bill simply 
requires colleges and universities to provide the contact information 
for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Crisis Text Line; and a 
campus mental health center, if applicable, on student identification 
cards. For colleges and universities that do not provide identification 
cards to their students, schools must ensure that the information is 
available on their website.
  Suicide is a major public health problem. Providing information on 
existing suicide prevention resources can help students experiencing 
suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and potentially save lives.

                          ____________________