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7/9/2018
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Legislation that would require colleges to develop suicide prevention policies signed into law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) and House Majority Whip John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) that would require each public institution of postsecondary education to establish a plan for addressing the mental health needs of its students has been signed into law by the governor.
The bill (2018-S 2346, 2018-H 8342) would require each institution to develop policies aimed at identifying a student exhibiting suicidal behavior or tendencies.
“Rising rates have lifted suicide to the 10th leading cause of death in the United States,” said Senator Sosnowski. “This legislation will help institutions of higher learning to identify vulnerable individuals and connect them with treatment and other supports. It will also lead to the training of educators and support staff to recognize risk factors for suicide and help those at risk to access support services. With so much tragedy coming from college campuses, this is an issue that cannot be ignored.”
The bill is the latest policy measure designed to address suicide prevention. Last year, the General Assembly passed a law that requires the Department of Education to consider incorporating into the curriculum programs related to suicide prevention.
“This legislation comes at a critical moment,” said Representative Edwards. “While the rates of many other leading causes of death, including heart disease and stroke, have declined, suicides are on the rise, with rates increasing by more than 25 percent between 2000 and 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It’s an important issue that needs to be addressed.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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