H.R. 2630: Youth Suicide Prevention Research Act

This bill, known as the Youth Suicide Prevention Research Act, aims to enhance research on childhood suicide by updating existing legislation. Specifically, it amends the Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act to broaden the focus areas related to childhood suicide research.

Key Provisions

• The bill introduces new areas of research that are to be considered essential for understanding childhood suicide.
• It adds the study of:
  • Adverse childhood experiences, which refer to traumatic events that occur during childhood.
  • Toxic stress in childhood, which is stress that can negatively impact children’s development and well-being.

Impact on Research

The proposed amendments aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to childhood suicide. By incorporating these new areas of focus, the bill seeks to promote evidence-based research that can inform prevention strategies and interventions aimed at reducing suicide rates among youth.

Policy Goals

• Enhance the U.S. National Science Foundation's role in funding and supporting research that addresses the complexities of childhood suicide.
• Encourage collaboration between researchers, mental health professionals, and policymakers to develop effective prevention programs.
• Utilize findings to guide strategies that protect children and support their mental health.

Committee Review

Following its introduction, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for further consideration. This step is crucial for evaluating the bill's implications and determining any necessary amendments before it can progress through Congress.

Relevant Companies

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