H.R. 8978: Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act

This bill, known as the "Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act," aims to enhance mental health services and suicide prevention efforts at institutions of higher education in the United States. Here are the key points of the legislation:

Encouragement for Comprehensive Plans

The bill seeks to encourage colleges and universities to create and implement research-based, comprehensive plans for mental health and suicide prevention on their campuses. This initiative would be coordinated with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and would adhere to recommended approaches from credible sources, such as the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, among others.

Collaboration with Other Entities

Institutions are encouraged to collaborate with:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Community-based organizations that work with colleges and universities
• Experts and stakeholders in the field of mental health and suicide prevention

Federal and State Coordination

The bill stipulates that the development of mental health and suicide prevention plans must take into account existing federal and state efforts aimed at these issues, ensuring that the programs align with other initiatives.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of Education is tasked with reporting to Congress on the progress of these efforts:

• Within one year of the bill's enactment
• Again three years after the enactment

No New Requirements or Authority

The legislation includes a clarification stating that it does not impose new legal requirements on institutions of higher education, nor does it grant the Secretary of Education any additional regulatory powers.

Relevant Companies

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