Illinois Schools Could Soon Teach Suicide Prevention Under New Bill

A new proposal moving through the Illinois Senate aims to improve access to suicide prevention resources across the state.

Lawmakers on the Illinois Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 2771 on Wednesday.  Supporters say the goal is simple: make it easier for people to find help when they need it most.

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Illinois Schools Could Soon Teach Suicide Prevention Under New Bill

The legislation would require information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be clearly displayed in a wide range of public space.  That includes county shelter care homes, daycares, public libraries, colleges, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.  Advocates say increasing visibility of the hotline could help save lives, especially as more than 1,500 people die by suicide in Illinois each year.

The bill would also bring suicide prevention education into classrooms.  Under the proposal, school boards would be required to include age-appropriate suicide prevention lessons in health courses for students in sixth through 12th grade.  Supporters believe teaching young people how to recognize warning signs and ask for help could make a major difference.

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The proposal is called Tammurra's Act, named in memory of Tammy Bush's daughter.

The legislation also includes support for people transitioning out of prison.  Under the bill, the Illinois Dept of Corrections would provide suicide prevention resources to individuals as they are released.

With committee approval secured, the bill now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.