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Despite ongoing prevention efforts, suicide remains a leading cause of death and disability<\/a> among Americans of all ages, racial and ethnic groups, geographic regions, and socioeconomic statuses. While suicide affects populations at all levels, it continues to be the second leading cause of death in individuals under 44<\/a> and disproportionately impacts veterans<\/a>, individuals with lower income and educational attainment<\/a>, and residents in rural areas<\/a>, among other groups.<\/p>\nApproximately 6% of the U.S. population has a Serious Mental Illness (SMI)<\/a> (e.g., bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia), and a 2022 study<\/a> found that almost 10% of people who die by suicide had a known SMI. In addition, individuals with or without SMI can experience suicidal ideation or attempts<\/a>. Factors such as adverse childhood experiences<\/a>, limited access to health care, and economic instability<\/a> can contribute to suicide risk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Public health approaches<\/a> that expand treatment access and address the drivers of suicide risk can help foster mental well-being in communities and reduce the risk of individuals dying by suicide<\/a>, including those with SMI. However, executing these approaches requires understanding the dynamics of evidence-based strategies in policymaking and implementation.<\/p>\n Population-Based Approaches<\/p>\n Expanding access to mental health care is critical for reducing risk and managing symptoms of mental illness, as only 50% of young adults (18 to 25 years old) and 53% of adults (26 to 49 years old) with any mental illness received treatment in 2024<\/a>. However, barriers to mental health care<\/a> \u2014 such as availability of providers, access to telehealth, cost, and other systemic factors \u2014 can prevent individuals from receiving treatment, especially during serious declines in mental health. Population-based approaches<\/a> can fill this gap by focusing on non-clinical interventions and activities that address chronic stressors and other factors contributing to mental health declines, improving mental health outcomes. Examples of these policies include:<\/p>\n 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline<\/p>\n State health agencies can also consider approaches that provide and enhance direct crisis support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline<\/a> is a nationwide hotline that provides emotional support to individuals experiencing suicide, mental health, or substance use crises. Since its launch in July 2022, call volumes have steadily risen<\/a> in all states, and the Lifeline has been shown to improve callers’ mental well-being as well as reduce suicide risk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Implementation of the 988 Lifeline occurs at both the state and local levels, resulting in variations in funding and infrastructure across communities. In the most recent legislative session, jurisdictions enacted legislation to fund and sustain 988<\/a>, ensuring consistency in quality and access across all communities. For example, North Dakota SB 2200<\/a> allocates funding for 988 operations from a community health trust fund, while Texas HB 5342<\/a> established a trust fund outside of the state treasury to support the 988 Lifeline. States also enacted legislation either consolidating (Colorado SB 236<\/a>) or ensuring interoperability with 988 and 911 emergency lines (Nebraska LB 362<\/a>), streamlining services and accessibility for those in need of mental health support. In addition, 12 states have adopted a 988 telecom fee<\/a> \u2014 similar to fees that support 911 infrastructure in every state \u2014 to create a sustainable financing source for 988.<\/p>\n Adolescent Mental Health Support at School<\/p>\n Schools are a critical setting to support adolescent mental health, particularly for children with serious emotional disturbances who are at elevated risk of suicide. Several states have mandated suicide prevention training requirements<\/a> for school personnel as part of ongoing professional certification requirements. Federal funding \u2014 such as the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention Act<\/a>, which focuses on evidence-based programs for students<\/a> \u2014 can help states and tribes establish\/expand training for school staff and equip them with the education to recognize warning signs and connect students to resources, alongside student-directed programs<\/a> that increase mental health literacy and foster peer support.<\/p>\n In the 2025 legislative session, at least three states enacted legislation focused on preventing youth student suicide. Kentucky (HB 48<\/a>) and Montana (SB 369<\/a>) mandate training for school staff on suicide awareness and prevention, while Virginia HB 2055<\/a> requires school staff to provide materials to parents on suicide prevention (including the safe storage of firearms) if they believe a student is at imminent risk. At least three additional states enacted legislation that requires student identification cards to include mental health information and suicide crisis resources, including the 988 Lifeline (Colorado SB 326<\/a>, Illinois HB 3000<\/a>, New Jersey A 4897<\/a>). Georgia HB 268<\/a> requires public schools to provide at least one hour of suicide awareness prevention and training to students in grades 6-12. Conversely, an Idaho bill (SB 1199<\/a>) that would amend a 2024 law<\/a> to allow minors to access medical treatment when calling the 988 Lifeline without parental consent passed the Senate but did not advance in the House.<\/p>\n Jurisdictions have also incorporated policies that provide additional safeguards for adolescents and their use of the internet:<\/p>\n Utah recently enacted SB 98<\/a>, which requires the state Board of Education to create a video presentation for parents outlining the safety and legal issues students may encounter while using technology. Looking Forward<\/p>\n It is important to understand suicide prevention approaches nationwide, including how jurisdictions formalize and strengthen suicide prevention infrastructure as well as promote healthier environments. Strategies for policymakers include the following:<\/p>\n Leveraging these legal and policy frameworks can reduce suicide risk, support mental well-being, and build a stronger public health system for all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
September 26, 2025 | Caitlin Langhorne Griffith, Arnelle Toffey
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\nMaryland’s SB 310<\/a> expands the state’s Youth Suicide Prevention School Program to include instruction to students on the relationship between gambling and youth suicide.
\nAt the federal level, Congress is considering the Kids Online Safety Act<\/a>, which requires platforms, applications, and streaming services that connect to the internet to exercise care in creating and implementing design features to prevent and mitigate harm to minors<\/a>.<\/p>\n