STANDUP Act of 2021 (S. 1543)

Summary

Gives priority for federal funds to schools that teach students in grades 6-12 about suicide prevention, risk factors, and how to seek help.

What problem does this solve?

Youth suicide is a major public health issue, but many students don't know how to recognize warning signs or get help for themselves or others. This law encourages schools to adopt evidence-based training programs to give students the tools and resources to prevent suicide.

What does this law do?

Funding priority for schools with prevention policies

Gives priority for certain federal funds to state, local, and tribal school agencies that establish a student suicide awareness and prevention training policy.

Training required for grades 6 through 12

Requires the prevention policies to provide evidence-based training to students in grades 6 through 12 on suicide prevention, risk factors, and how to seek help.

Requires data collection and reporting

Schools receiving priority funding must report data to the Secretary, including the number of students trained and the number of help-seeking reports made by students.

Provides technical assistance to schools

Directs the Secretary to work with other departments to make policies public, provide technical help, and share best practices for suicide prevention training.

Who does this affect?

Students in grades 6-12
Public school systems (State, local, and Tribal)
School mental health professionals

What is the real world impact?

•

Promotes proactive mental health education

Aims to reduce youth suicide rates by teaching students to recognize warning signs and seek help, rather than waiting until a crisis occurs. It treats suicide prevention as a public health skill.

•

Standardizes prevention efforts

Encourages schools nationwide to adopt evidence-based and culturally appropriate policies, creating a more consistent approach to student mental health and suicide prevention.

When does this start?

This law applies to funding applications submitted after it was signed on March 15, 2022, and includes a reporting deadline.

Report to Congress

By September 30, 2024, the Secretary must report to Congress on how many schools have implemented the training policies and summarize the data received.