Le Lézard
Classified in: Health, Covid-19 virus
Subjects: CHI, LEG

AFSP Applauds Passage of K-12 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Legislation in NC


RALEIGH, N.C., June 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, applauds the North Carolina legislature and Governor Cooper for passing and signing Senate Bill 476 into law. This landmark legislation will ensure employees throughout the North Carolina school system are trained to recognize and respond when a young person indicates they are at risk of hurting themselves or may be struggling with other mental health issues.

In 2018, North Carolina lost 84 young people ages 10-19 to suicide, making it the 2nd leading cause of death for that age group.

"Our educators and school staff need this training, now more than ever," said AFSP NC Chapter Board Co-Chair, Tiffany Hall, MSW, LCSW. "Several COVID-19 related issues, including social disconnection, anxiety, depression, loss, and grief, have known ways of worsening mental health and/or suicide risk for young people and adults alike.  SB 476 will help create an environment within our schools where it is okay to have a real conversation about mental health and suicide."

Sponsored by Senators Rick Horner, Jerry Tillman, and Deanna Ballard, and shepherded in the House of Representatives by Representative Craig Horn, SB 476 requires the NC State Board of Education to adopt a school-based mental health policy that includes a model mental health training program and suicide risk referral protocol for K-12 schools.  Schools will be required to adopt a plan for promoting student mental health and well-being that includes, at a minimum, the models developed by the Board.  Related mental health training will also be required annually for school employees.

Youth suicide can be prevented through early detection of students who may be in crisis or struggling with their mental health and connecting those students to resources and treatment services.

AFSP North Carolina Chapter advocates are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates working with public officials across the United States in 2020 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to legislators and their staff. AFSP-NC thanks our partners at National Alliance on Mental Illness, North Carolina and Mental Health America of Central Carolinas for their continued advocacy and support of SB 476 over several legislative sessions.  To learn more about AFSP's advocacy efforts, visit here: https://afsp.org/our-work/advocacy/.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C. AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention


These press releases may also interest you

at 09:48
Perspire Sauna Studio, one of the country's largest sauna franchises specializing in full spectrum infrared (IR) and red-light therapy (RLT), is rolling out a new sauna design and member experience through the brand's long-standing partnership with...

at 09:38
The Kinetix Group (TKG) and Pfizer Inflammation and Immunology received a PM360 Pharma Choice Award for their recent health equity initiative. The award recognized Pfizer's atopic dermatitis interactive guide for varying skin tones....

at 09:37
Baird Medical Devices, Inc. ("Baird Medical" or the "Company"), a leading microwave ablation ("MWA") medical device developer and provider in China and the United States, today announced it has been granted a new Class III certificate by the National...

at 09:15
101 Mobility® is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest location in Eden Prairie, marking the introduction of the city's first nationally branded full-service provider of a wide range of mobility equipment. This includes stair lifts, ramps,...

at 09:15
Vibrant Wellness, a leader in specialized diagnostics and personalized health tools, announced today that its Tickborne Testing received approval from The Wadsworth Center, part of the New York State Department of Health.This approval enables Vibrant...

at 09:07
Olympus announced today that it has been awarded a contract for its advanced energy portfolio by Provista Inc. This new, nationwide agreement provides Provista members with negotiated pricing for Olympus® energy products, including the...



News published on and distributed by: