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During Pride Month, Representative Sharice Davids reintroduced the Pride in Mental Health Act to boost mental health support for at-risk LGBTQI+ youth. A CDC survey revealed LGBTQI+ teens face much worse mental health challenges than their peers, with nearly 40% of gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens considering suicide in 2023.
The Act aims to improve physical and mental health by updating care standards, training caregivers, and setting bullying prevention guidelines. It also calls for a report on the mental health needs of LGBTQI+ youth in foster care and federal programs. In addition, it directs SAMHSA to update LGBTQI+ mental health resources on their website.
“Children here in Kansas and across the country continue to struggle with mental health challenges, but we are failing many of our most vulnerable children on this issue,” said Rep. Davids. “My Pride in Mental Health Act takes a comprehensive and data-driven approach to tackling the mental health crisis among LGBTQI+ youth. By increasing access to mental health support for our children and teens, we can save lives.”
The bill has wide support from groups like the Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Davids has actively worked on mental health issues, helping fund local programs, supporting school-based mental health, and aiding police departments in adding behavioral health specialists.
