ACHA Supports Increased Funding for Campus Suicide Prevention

The American Council on Education (ACE), along with ACHA and other organizations, sent a letter to the House and Senate Labor-HHS Subcommittee on April 28, 2025, urging increased funding and broader utilization of the Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026. The letter highlights the escalating mental health challenges among college students, including high rates of depression and anxiety, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. It notes that emotional stress and mental health concerns are leading factors for students considering leaving college.​

Currently, the GLS program is the sole federal initiative dedicated to college student mental health, but its funding is limited—only $2.3 million was awarded to 25 institutions in the most recent cycle. ACE recommends increasing the program’s funding by $5 million, bringing the total to $12 million for FY 2026, to expand access and support for more campuses. The letter also advocates for the continuation of waivers for matching fund requirements for minority-serving institutions and community colleges, acknowledging their critical role in addressing student mental health needs.