“When AFSP advocates meet with state senators on March 11, they will share their personal stories of the loss of a loved one by suicide and the impact of smart public policy on mental health and suicide prevention may have in reducing the suicide rate in Nebraska. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Nebraskans aged 10 to 34. We all have a role to play in preventing suicide and creating healthy communities, and I hope our senators will join us in saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, “said Aileen Brady, Treasurer of the AFSP Nebraska section, president of public policies and president of management.
Lawyers will ask legislators to support: LB 488 require school districts to integrate age-appropriate substance abuse prevention and mental health education into their curriculum; LB 1001 require that identity cards for college, high school, college and university students include hotline numbers in the event of a crisis; LB 725 create the School Mental Health Resource Fund and provide for reimbursement of school mental health expenses; LB 568 establish a mental health first aid training program for teachers and other school staff; and LB 167 prohibit persons holding credentials under the Uniform Credentials Act from advertising minors or providing them with conversion therapy.
In Nebraska, more than 45% of all suicides are committed with a gun, and almost 80% of all firearm deaths in the state are suicides. Defenders will therefore ask for support for suicide prevention provisions LB 816, including adding suicide prevention content to handgun training and courses LB 58 that would create a legal process for an extreme risk protection order Nebraska and reduce access to lethal means for those facing a suicidal crisis.
the AFSP Nebraska Capitol Day is a special day for everyone with a personal connection or story around the subject of suicide. Participants will meet with their legislators to share their stories of why they are participating in this advocacy effort, giving a human face to this important public health problem. Advocates hope that by sharing their stories, they will help lawmakers understand that investments in mental health and suicide prevention can save lives.
Defenders of the AFSP Nebraska section are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer defenders who will visit state capitals United States in 2020 to propose best practices in suicide prevention to legislators and their staff. To learn more about AFSP’s advocacy efforts, visit here: https://afsp.org/our-work/advocacy/.
On average, 132 Americans died by suicide every day in 2018, and more than 90% of these people had a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death. AFSP volunteers will urge state legislators to be the voice of the thousands of state residents affected by mental health issues and suicide each year.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. The AFSP creates a smart mental health culture through educational and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support to those affected by suicide. Led by the CEO Robert Gebbia and whose seat is at New York, with a public policy office Washington DC. AFSP has chapters in all 50 states and District of Colombia with nationwide programs and events. Learn more about the AFSP in its latest annual report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following the AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Related links
www.afsp.org
