Sacramento, CA– SB 972 the suicide prevention legislation which is authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) passed the California State Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s Desk for his signature.
SB 972 requires public, charter, and private schools to print the National Suicide Prevention Hotline telephone number on all student identification cards for grades seven through college.
“I am so glad that this small but important piece of legislation has garnered support from both houses and is headed to the Governor. As a father and a legislator, the safety of our children is a top priority. I hope that as a community we are more open to have a dialogue about mental health and suicide to help prevent these horrific tragedies. If one life can be saved through this bill then all of our efforts will have been worth it,” commented Senator Portantino.
Senator Portantino has a distinguished record supporting the well-being of kids at all levels. He is a strong advocate for suicide prevention and mental health policy. This bill is also personal for Senator Portantino as his family like far too many has been affected by suicide. Adolescent suicide and self-inflicted injury are a serious social and public health concern. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24.
SB 972 is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, California American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, California Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, California Access Coalition, California Association of School Psychologists (CASP), California Catholic Conference, California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, California Federation of Teachers, California Hospital Association, California Junior Leagues’ State Public Affairs Committee, Pal Alto Mid-Peninsula Junior League, California Medical Association, California School Boards Association, California School Nurses Organization, California Sleep Society, California State PTA, County Behavioral Health Directors Association, Disability Rights California (DRC), El Camino Children & Family Services, Inc, Hathaway –Sycamores, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Health Officers Association of California, Health Right 360, High School Parent Engagement Group, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Mental Health America of California (MHAC), National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Orange County Department of Education (OCDE), Pacific Clinics, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Administrators of California, and Stanford Children’s Health.
