State Senate Passes Bill to Help Prevent Suicide

Adriano Espaillat

June 19, 2015

(Albany) - Today the Senate unanimously passed a bill (S.4261 Espaillat / A.3384 McDonald) which requires the office of mental health and the education department to develop materials for educators regarding suicide prevention measures and signs of depression among school-aged students.

"It is pivotal depression is spotted as early as possible. By aiding in early intervention this bill will help lower suicide rates, which are heartbreakingly high among youth, not only in New York but around the Nation. It is my hope that this bill will serve as a model for states around the country, to help ensure children who need treatment for depression receive it at a young age," Said State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan/Bronx).

Nationally, suicide is the third leading cause of death among youths 15-24 and it is important that intervention take place as early as possible. That requires awareness of possible signs of mental illness or depression among our youths.

Once the materials are developed, they will be put on the State Education Department's website and a hyperlink will be put on the Office of Mental Health's website. In addition, SED is required to ensure that suicide prevention instruction are to be provided to secondary children by certified health education teachers.

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