The Children’s Hospital Association is calling on Congress to increase federal support for youth suicide prevention amid rising pediatric mental health concerns.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children ages 10-14 and the third-leading cause among individuals ages 15-24, according to a Sept. 3 association news release shared with Becker’s. Among children ages 8-12, suicide has increased nearly 8% annually since 2008.
The organization is urging lawmakers to expand funding for pediatric mental health services and workforce training, support hospital-led suicide prevention efforts, and increase access to school and community-based programs.
“Congress must put children’s mental health at the center of funding discussions,” Matthew Cook, president and CEO of the association, said in the release. “Data-driven solutions are available — we need lawmakers to prioritize programs that expand access, strengthen prevention, and ensure every child at risk is met with care and connection.”
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