Action Alert!

Dear Colleagues,

Legislation titled the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011" has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011 supports suicide prevention programs at the State level as well as on college campuses. Further, it supports a national Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center.

S. 740 was introduced on April 6, 2011 by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tom Udall (D-NM). As of June 20, 2011 co-sponsors include: Senators Mark Begich (D-AK), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Patty Murray (D-WA).

This legislation (S. 740) would reauthorize the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act and maintain the Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies Program for States and Tribes, the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Services and Outreach on Campus Program and the Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center. It makes changes to the Campus Program that expand the uses of funds to better meet the diverse needs of students as identified by directors of college counseling centers.

More specifically, the legislation allows for funds under the campus program to be used to provide: mental health and substance use disorder services to students, including prevention, promotion of mental health, voluntary screening, early intervention, voluntary assessment, treatment, and management of mental health and substance abuse disorder issues; outreach services to notify students about the existence of mental health and substance use disorder services; education for students, families, faculty, staff, and communities to increase awareness of mental health and substance use disorders; the employment of appropriately trained staff, including administrative staff; training to students, faculty, and staff to respond effectively to students with mental health and substance use disorders; a networking infrastructure to link colleges and universities with providers who can treat mental health and substance use disorders; and development, support, evaluation, and dissemination of evidence-based and emerging best practices.

Taking Action is Quick & Easy: All you need to do is send a brief email to both your Senators. Your email will urge your Senators to co-sponsor S. 740, The "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act of 2011." If they are already a co-sponsor, thank them for their leadership and support of this legislation. 

Thank you so much for your help. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Smulson.