The bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop evidence-based strategies to help prevent youth suicide.
Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop evidence-based strategies to help prevent youth suicide.
Occurrences
Evidence
May 21, 2026 press release states that the bipartisan Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 was introduced in the House and that the bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop evidence-based strategies to help prevent youth suicide.
The release also says the bill creates a competitive federal grant program to help states, school districts, and local communities develop effective youth suicide prevention programs and prioritizes local flexibility.
Assessments
The available evidence shows Yakym introduced the Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026, a bill that matches the promise language by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop evidence-based strategies to help prevent youth suicide. That is a concrete legislative step in the same term and demonstrates meaningful effort. However, the evidence provided only establishes introduction of the bill, not enactment into law or implementation by HHS. Because a representative cannot unilaterally direct the Secretary without successful legislation, and there is no proof the promised policy was actually carried out, this is best scored as partial rather than delivered.