Canty Measure for Suicide Prevention Awareness and Education Passes Legislature

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, is continuing to fight for suicide prevention with her measure to make National Suicide Prevention Lifeline information visible in a wide range of public places and expand comprehensive suicide prevention education.

This legislation just passed the legislature with bipartisan support and will advance to the governor’s desk for signature.

“Ensuring that people in crises are aware of the resources available to them can make a huge difference for countless Illinoisans,” Canty said. “This measure creates achievable, affordable, commonsense requirements for many institutions that will save lives by helping spread awareness of the mental health professionals available with a simple phone call.”

Canty’s Senate Bill 2771, also known as Tammurra’s Act, requires public buildings–including libraries, shelters, nursing homes, hospitals, probation and juvenile detention centers, daycares, and public universities–to visibly post contact information for the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, ensuring residents know immediate help is available. 

Senate Bill 2771 would also expand comprehensive health education for students in grades 6 through 12 by integrating evidence-based suicide prevention curriculum, as well as strengthen reentry support by requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide suicide prevention resources to individuals preparing for release.