WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement announcing that the Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act, a bill she co-led, has passed the United States Senate. This bipartisan legislation would require the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to institutes of higher education that support research on suicide treatment and prevention.
“Suicide is a heartbreaking tragedy that impacts far too many of our fellow Americans. The isolation and added stress of this pandemic have only exacerbated mental health challenges for those who suffer,” said Senator Rosen. “We must take immediate action to address this wide-reaching crisis and provide assistance to those in need. This bipartisan bill would help to support research into suicide prevention with the goal of avoiding future tragedies. I will continue working hard to support the health and well-being of Nevadans and Americans who need our help.”
BACKGROUND: Earlier this year, Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act. This bipartisan legislation would require the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the National Institute of Mental Health, to award grants to institutes of higher education to research multidisciplinary factors like social behavior, human cognition and development, drug and alcohol abuse, and other behaviors involved in the treatment and prevention of suicide.
The bill also supports the work of early career researchers working in fields relevant to understanding and preventing suicide.
The bipartisan Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act is supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Psychological Association.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides free and confidential emotional support to people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
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