Reducing Mental Health Issues and Suicide Rates in Adolescents:

Access to Mental Health Resources at Middle and High Schools in Virginia

H.R.9030 – Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Act
Introduction
The prevalence of mental health issues in youth have shown an increasing trend over the past years. Peer
interaction in adolescents is a crucial aspect in this age range’s development and wellness. Therefore, the
implementation of peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs can significantly improve mental health outcomes
for our local adolescent population by providing accessible mental health resources that are age appropriate.
Overview of Bill
 This bill was first introduced to the house on September 29, 2022, and was sponsored by Virginia
representative Don Beyer.
 This bill supports…
o The establishment of a grant program that allocates funding to eligible entities capable of
facilitating effective mental health programs to youth populations.
o The utilization of positive peer-to-peer socialization, versus adult figures, in mental health
education.
o Bringing awareness to suicide deaths and mental health disorders that occur in adolescent
population.
o Increased access to mental health resources for middle and high school students.

Background
 According to 2020 statistics provided by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
suicide was the second leading cause of
death in the U.S for youth aged 10 to 24
years and was the third for youth aged 15-24
years (CDC, 2023).
 Based on data from a national survey
conducted on high school students in the
U.S from 2011 to 2021, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention reports that, “the
percentage of students across every racial
and ethnic group who felt persistently sad or
hopeless increased” (CDC, 2023).
Evidence
 Peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs
can create a positive environment that bring
awareness to mental health issues by
educating on concepts such as empathy,
active listening, and basic social and
emotional skills (Walker, 2019).
 Some adolescents feel more comfortable
confiding in a trusted peer rather than a
parent or other adult (Walker, 2019).
 Youth population barriers to mental health
treatments, such as psychotherapy, include
fear of parental stigmatization, and poor
perception of service providers (Pfeiffer &
In-Albon, 2022).

Recommendations
 Support the passing of the bill to increase the funding, access, and quality of peer-to-peer mental health
programs for middle and high school students.
 The bill should require “eligible entities” receiving grant funding to have representatives with mental
health service experience such as, but not limited to, psychologist, or mental health nurses, to ensure
credibility of any program facilitated to students.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, January). WISQARS Data Visualization. Retrieved from https://wisqars.cdc.gov/data/lcd/home
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/YRBS_Data-Summary-Trends_Report2023_508.pdf
Pfeiffer, S., & In-Albon, T. (2022). Barriers to seeking psychotherapy for mental health problems in adolescents: A mixed method study. Journal of
Child and Family Studies, 31(9), 2571–2581. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02364-4
Walker, T. (2019, November 14). Peer programs helping schools tackle student depression, anxiety. NEA. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/peer-programs-helping-schools-tackle-student-depression-anxiety