On Monday, the state House Education Committee heard testimony on a bipartisan joint resolution in support of teen suicide prevention. The Colorado Youth Advisory Council, a group of young people from around the state, brought the resolution to the committee. If you'd like to read a news story on the effort, the link is:http://www.coloradonewsagency.com/2012/01/24/legislature-step-up-the-fight-against-teen-suicide
The committee voted 13-0 for the resolution, with all 13 members signing on as co-sponsors.
On Wednesday, the full House heard the resolution, with ten members of the House speaking in support of the resolution. The House then passed the measure 63-0, with all members signing on as co-sponsors.
The resolution now goes to the Senate for consideration. If it passes, a Task Force of members of the legislature will be formed this summer to consider ideas for legislation in the 2013 General Assembly session. The effort is aimed at raising awareness and reducing stigma, and specifically sharing "warning signs" with teachers in our schools, as well as how to access resources so that competent mental health care professionals can be put in touch with teens in need of assistance. The resoluiton suggests the observance of Natioanl Suicide Awareness Week, September 4 - 10.
I was one of the witness before the House Education committee. They asked for the perspective of a parent who had been directly impacted by the issue. So, I told them what it was like, that teen suicide was preventable, that teen suicide was unnecessary. It was not easy to speak on the topic in that forum. I imagine it was not easy for the legislators to listen. But, if it helps a teen somewhere along the line, it's the right thing to do, and worth it.
There is an organization here in our area that works with teen suicide prevention. It's called Second Wind Fund. http://www.swfmd.org/. They do a very fine job. Their funding comes from donations. I donate money to them when I can.
Friday, January 27, 2012
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