As of last week, bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (GLSMA) has now been introduced in both the House and Senate! In February, Representatives David Jolly (R-FL-5th) and Danny Davis (D-IL-7th) introduced H.R. 938, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2015. Last week, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and 18 other Senators introduced S.1299, companion legislation that mirrors the House bill.
H.R. 938/S.1299 would reauthorize and maintain the three important programs created by the GLSMA – the State and Tribal Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies Program, Campus Suicide Prevention Program, and the Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center. ED GRO Staff worked closely with Congressional staff in developing the language of the bills, which would make changes to the Campus Program that allow for flexibility in the uses of funds to better meet the diverse, documented and growing needs of students on college campuses. In addition, both bills would increase authorization levels for Garrett Lee Smith programs for the first time since the GLSMA was enacted in 2004.
Since inception, the GLSMA has supported 370 youth suicide prevention grants in 50 states, 46 tribes or tribal organizations, and 175 institutions of higher education. However, suicide still remains the third-leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults between the age of 10 and 24. Please help us ensure that youth suicide prevention remains a top national priority – click here to send a message to your Members of Congress urging them to support the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2015!