Declaring a need for increased investments in youth mental health, recognizing May 31, 2026, as "Youth Mental Health Day", recognizing September 9, 2026, annually as "Youth Suicide Prevention Day", and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.Res. 792

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-12-15T16:46:53Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 792) declares the urgent need for greater investments in youth mental health services in the United States. It highlights the growing mental health crisis among young people, including issues like anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and loneliness. The resolution aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote support by officially recognizing specific awareness days and encouraging broader action.

Key Provisions

• Background and Findings: The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining the mental health challenges faced by U.S. youth, supported by statistics from agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Key data points include:
• 20% of adolescents aged 12-17 reported anxiety symptoms, and 18% reported depression symptoms (CDC, 2021-2023).
• 40% of high school students felt persistent sadness or hopelessness, 20% considered suicide, 16% planned it, and 9% attempted it (CDC, 2023).
• Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and has risen significantly, with emergency visits for mental health issues up 25% from 2016-2018 (NIH).
• Nearly 20% of children aged 3-17 have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder (NIH), and 18.1% of adolescents aged 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode (SAMHSA).
• Recognition of Days:
• Recognizes May 31, 2026, as "Youth Mental Health Day" to focus on prioritizing mental health for young people.
• Recognizes September 9, 2026, and annually thereafter as "Youth Suicide Prevention Day" to address suicide risks and promote prevention.
• Calls to Action:
• Recommits the House of Representatives to tackling the crisis through better access to care, stigma reduction, and support for all youth.
• Encourages state and local governments to adopt these awareness days, promote them, and invest in school- and community-based mental health programs.
• Emphasis on Equity: Notes higher risks and barriers for Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and low-income youth, stressing the need for culturally competent care.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives, so it introduces no enforceable changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on prior federal efforts, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (a national hotline for mental health crises) and Project AWARE (a program to expand behavioral health services in schools), by advocating for increased focus and funding without creating new mandates.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of youth mental health issues, encouraging more young people and families to seek help and reducing stigma around mental health and suicide. It may indirectly support better access to services, potentially saving lives by promoting early intervention.
• On Government Agencies: Prompts federal agencies like the CDC, NIH, and SAMHSA to continue or expand data collection and programs. Encourages state and local governments to allocate resources for mental health initiatives in schools and communities, though implementation depends on voluntary action and funding.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but the resolution references global mental health statistics (e.g., 15% of youth aged 10-19 worldwide have disorders), which could align U.S. efforts with international awareness campaigns without binding commitments.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Youth and Families: Primary beneficiaries, especially adolescents aged 10-17 facing mental health struggles, including marginalized groups like Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and low-income youth.
• Educators and Schools: Involved in promoting awareness days and implementing community-based mental health programs.
• Mental Health Providers and Advocates: Youth leaders, students, and organizations that mobilize for change; they gain visibility for reducing barriers to care.
• Government Entities: House of Representatives, state/local governments, and federal agencies (e.g., CDC, NIH, SAMHSA) responsible for health policy and funding.
• Communities: Broader society, as the resolution addresses nonpartisan issues affecting all backgrounds and promotes social connections to combat loneliness.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a resolution, it has no legal force and cannot compel action, but it could influence future legislation by providing a framework for bills on funding or access to mental health services. It aligns with existing federal programs without altering constitutional rights.
• Constitutional: No direct implications; it supports First Amendment freedoms by encouraging awareness and expression without restricting speech or privacy.
• Political: Emphasizes mental health as a nonpartisan issue requiring unified response, potentially fostering bipartisan support for related policies. Introduced by a diverse group of representatives, it highlights youth advocacy and could pressure Congress for increased investments amid rising suicide rates, though its impact relies on public and political momentum rather than enforcement.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

Cosponsors (12)

Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-10-08: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-08: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Declaring a need for increased investments in youth mental health, recognizing May 31, 2026, as "Youth Mental Health Day", recognizing September 9, 2026, annually as "Youth Suicide Prevention Day", and for other purposes. — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (5 pages)