INDIANA — New data from Mental Health America (MHA) has issued a sobering reminder for Hoosier families: suicide remains one of the top three leading causes of death for children and teenagers in Indiana.
In response, state lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 269, a bipartisan effort to weave mental health support directly into the social fabric of Indiana schools.
Introduced by Senator Ron Alting (R-Lafayette), the bill passed its first reading on January 8, 2026, and is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services.
The push for legislation comes as the 2025 America’s Health Rankings report highlights a stark reality for Indiana’s youth. While national suicide rates saw a slight post-pandemic dip, Indiana’s rates have remained stubbornly high, consistently outpacing the national average.
According to recent state data:
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Hoosiers aged 6 to 19.
- In a recent Indiana Youth Survey, 17% of students in grades 6–12 reported seriously considering suicide.
- Indiana saw a 100% increase in the youth suicide rate between 2006 and 2023.
Senate Bill 269 proposes the establishment of Youth Peer Support Programs for students in grades 6 through 12. The program is designed to empower students to look out for one another through structured mentorship.
Key features of the bill include:
- Mental Health America Training: Students would receive evidence-based training to recognize warning signs and provide non-clinical mentorship.
- Strict Non-Clinical Boundaries: Peer supporters are prohibited from providing medical diagnoses or clinical treatment.
- Voluntary Screenings: The bill would require schools to offer voluntary, online mental health screenings for students in grades 7, 9, and 11.
- Referral Protocols: Schools must establish clear pathways to connect students in crisis with professional counselors and community resources.
Senator Alting is scheduled to meet with stakeholders at the Statehouse on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to discuss further refinements to the legislation. If passed, the bill would also create a Youth Peer Support Advisory Committee to oversee the quality and safety of these programs statewide.
Supporters argue that since students are often the first to notice a friend’s behavioral changes, formalizing “peer-to-peer” support could bridge the gap between a “bad situation” and professional intervention.
