Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin introduces bipartisan legislation to expand evidence-based suicide prevention care.

As reported by Maryland Matters, during National Suicide Prevention Month, Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-08) introduced mental health and suicide prevention legislation. The legislation, called the Stabilization To Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act, aims to create a grant program under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support evidence-based interventions for individuals with suicidal thoughts. This legislation seeks to alleviate pressure on law enforcement and emergency departments while providing effective outpatient and virtual stabilization services. The STOP Suicide Act could provide counties with additional resources through SAMHSA grants to support and expand local mental health services.

From Congressman Raskin’s press release:

“America is plagued by a mental health epidemic, and too many families have experienced the anguish of losing a loved one to mental illness and suicide. The STOP Suicide Act will provide relief to Americans suffering from serious thoughts of suicide and crucial new support for the health care professionals who treat them, infusing resources into stabilization and crisis care services,”  said MD Congressman Jamie Raskin.

The Stabilization To Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act is bipartisan legislation cosponsored by  Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon (R-02). The legislation aims to increase access to timely stabilization care, helping individuals reduce immediate suicide risk. Congressman Raskin emphasized the growing mental health crisis and the need for accessible support. 

View the Stabilization To Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act.

Read the story from Maryland Matters.

Read the full press release.