Bill aiming to prevent youth suicides signed into law in Oklahoma - KOKH FOX25

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A bill that seeks to reduce youth suicides was recently signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Beginning July 1, 2023, school districts and charter schools in Oklahoma will be required to print the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on student ID cards for 7th-12th grades.

The state Department of Mental Health and Rehabilitative Services announced it will be launching the new, easier to remember 988 number statewide in July 2022.

The bill will also allow schools the option of printing the Crisis Text Line on ID cards, which can be accessed by texting HOME to 741741.

The new law also encourages Oklahoma’s private and public colleges and universities that issue student ID cards to also print the suicide hotline number, the Crisis Text Line, and the campus police or security telephone number on their cards beginning July 1, 2023.

“We have to do more in our schools and local communities to support those struggling with mental health issues, especially our children and teens, whose brain development and hormones don’t allow them to always process difficult situations in a rational way,” said. Rep. Mark Vancuren. “By having these important numbers with them, they can seek help at a moment’s notice to help them safely work through their depression, anger or stress with a caring professional.”

In 2020, 883 Oklahomans committed suicide, including 38 youths between 8 and 17 years old and another 112 young adults 18 to 24.

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source: https://okcfox.com/news/local/bill-aiming-to-prevent-youth-suicides-signed-into-law-in-oklahoma

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