Sen. Gordon Smith’s son, Garrett, took his own life in 2003.

“Five years ago on Monday, my wife Sharon and I received the worst news that any parent could receive when a police officer showed up at our door to inform us that our 21-year-old son Garrett had taken his life,” Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) during a 2008 hearing. “That day, and the days and weeks that followed, were the most painful imaginable.”

After his son’s death, the Oregon Republican turned his grief into action and spearheaded the creation of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which provides funding towards community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention.

In the 18 years since the legislation was first signed into law, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has managed funding obtained through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act.

“There are other sources of funding, but in terms of specific funding for youth suicide prevention, this grant program is the major vehicle,” said Dr. Richard McKeon, the Chief of SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Branch. 

According to SAMHSA records, total funding through the “Act” can reach up to $7 million a year.  

“We made some changes over the years... they went from three years at $400,000 to five years at $700,000,” said McKeon of the length and amount of funding provided to recipients each year. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also conducts research to ensure the funding is making a difference.

“We were doing ongoing evaluations, we did the first evaluation looking at this issue about 10 years ago and found that it was having an impact on saving lives and on preventing suicide attempts,” said McKeon.

The research is also used to change the “Act” when it periodically comes up for reauthorization. The reauthorization process is currently underway, as funding will expire in the next few months. 

“So this is the time to reauthorize the programs that are in place to increase awareness and education, suicide prevention programs, certainly getting the stigma out of talking about a mental health care in our in our schools and our K through 12 schools in our high schools,” said Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.). 

The “Act” has gone through the reauthorization process before and passed with bipartisan support. Congressional representative Lori Trahan (D-MA 3rd District), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been working on reauthorization with representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash), Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Cindy Axne (D-Iowa).

“Our country’s worsening mental health crisis is taking a devastating toll on young people, and the need to invest in youth mental health and suicide prevention efforts couldn’t be more dire,” said Rep. Axne said. “This legislation will provide continued support for critical suicide prevention programs for years to come and ensure that young people in Iowa and across the country can access the help that they need. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this pressing issue to combat the mental health crisis and save lives.”

"Every day, 125 Americans die by suicide, and mental health issues have become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a mother of four and new grandmother, I mourn with parents who have lost their children due to suicide and want to do all I can to support resources that uplift our communities,” Rep. Kim said. “I’m proud to join Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers and Reps. Axne and Trahan to ensure Garrett Lee Smith community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention programs can continue their important work to support young people across the nation. I will do everything I can to help individuals improve their access to mental health care to meet their health needs.”

Mental health experts and lawmakers also say the funding is needed now more than ever.

“I think there’s also a particular concern now, because of the influence of the pandemic on youth mental health... kids have not necessarily been able to have access to the same supports, particularly in terms of in person support during parts of this period,” said McKeon.

“The youth mental health crisis has only been made worse by the challenges of the pandemic,” said Rep. Trahan. “We have an obligation to meet this moment of urgency with the comprehensive solutions and resources our children need. I’m proud to join with colleagues to fulfill part of that obligation—reauthorizing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act and the key programs it supports to provide mental health resources, bolster suicide prevention efforts, and end the stigma associated with getting help.”

“The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial programs save lives and give hope to young adults in need of rescue from despair,” said Rep. Rodgers. “COVID-19 lockdowns have resulted in mental health emergencies, and children and young adults of all ages are in crisis. This is an urgent time to ensure these strong bipartisan programs can continue to support youth in our communities. I appreciate all my colleagues who are leading this bill with me. Let’s continue to build on this work for a more secure future for the next generation, especially in providing healing for those struggling with the trials of life.”

Two long-term studies have made the case for reauthorizing the program, as both found a reduction in suicide attempts in communities where programs funded by the Act were made available. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there are places to get help. You can call the National Help line - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).