Syracuse Sun

Yesterday, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) and Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, MD (CO-08), introduced the Youth Suicide Prevention Research Act in an effort to address the escalating crisis of youth suicide in America. This bipartisan legislation aims to broaden the National Science Foundation-supported research into suicide prevention by including research on the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health outcomes. This expansion will be facilitated by amending the Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act.

Congressman Brandon Williams expressed his concern over the increasing trend of youth suicide and self-harm, stating, "This expansion of research is necessary to understand and counter the upward trend of youth suicide and self-harm. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Caraveo, who joins me as an original sponsor of this important legislation. We owe this and more to our next generation."

Echoing Williams' sentiments, Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo noted the alarming rise in rates of self-harm and suicide among American teenagers over the past two decades. She emphasized that "the scale of this youth mental health crisis should evoke a sense of urgency not only among mental health professionals but among all lawmakers as well." Caraveo further stated her pride in leading this initiative to commence research into the effects of adverse childhood events with a view to better understanding factors contributing to concerning rates of youth suicide and self-harm.

For further information, please contact Jacob Zanca at (202) 913-1235 or follow Rep. Brandon Williams on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.