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PR: Youth Suicide Prevention and Awareness Bill Wins Unanimous Support in Committee

JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation that would promote youth suicide prevention and awareness is advancing in the Missouri Senate. Senate Bill 646, sponsored by Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, yesterday was passed unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee.

“This legislation would save lives. It equips our educators with the tools and resources they need to help identify at risk children and prevent another family from the unimaginable grief of losing a child to suicide,” said Schupp. “I’m grateful to the committee for fast-tracking this legislation that prioritizes the lives of young Missourians.”

Senate Bill 646 would strengthen youth suicide awareness in Missouri by allowing elementary and secondary licensed educators to annually receive up to two hours of professional development credit for suicide education and prevention training. The bill would also charge the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with formulating guidelines for training and development surrounding youth suicide prevention, and coordination with school districts to update model policies and practices aimed at countering this issue facing Missouri’s youth.

This bill addresses one of the largest problems facing the youth of this state and comes at a crucial point in time to help these young Missourians who are at risk. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. It is the third highest cause of death among 10 to 14-year-olds, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, Missouri’s suicide rate has been higher than the national average for more than a decade, according to the Missouri Institute of Mental Health.

SB 646 was granted consent status in the committee, meaning the bill cannot be amended during debate by the full Senate. The bill could come up for debate on the Senate floor as early as Thursday, February 11. It will need to garner at least 17 votes to pass the Senate and will then move to the House of Representatives for consideration.