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Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention Act of 2021

Floor Speech

Date: May 11, 2021
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Minors and Children Health and Health Care

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Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 586, the STANDUP Act of 2021, which was introduced by Representative Scott Peters and includes the support of many Members of the House, including Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues Bilirakis, Blunt Rochester, Upton, and Tonko.

This legislation helps promote suicide awareness and facilitates prevention training for students and young Americans. For the last decade, suicide has been the second leading cause of death for Americans ages 10 to 24, and the 10th leading cause of overall deaths in the United States. Tragically, this epidemic has only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suicide is preventable, and initiatives that empower students with knowledge of the warning signs and resources for prevention are critical in addressing these trends.

Through this bill, Project AWARE grantees will be empowered to establish school-based suicide awareness and prevention training programs, which will improve student awareness of mental health issues while connecting at-risk individuals to needed health services.

The pandemic has greatly impacted the mental health of all Americans, which is why it is critical that we continue addressing our Nation's challenges in preventing youth suicide and promoting the wellness of all.

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Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my good friend.

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Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, as we were speaking before, this is an important issue. Suicide affects so many people. There are systems, there is the ability to become aware. It can be preventable if people know the right signs to look for. I think the American people absolutely want to work together to make this happen so we can prevent this.

I urge all my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

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