Mason Advocates For Expanded Suicide Prevention in Schools

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is sponsoring a measure that would update school suicide prevention guidance and give greater support to young people who are at an increased risk of committing suicide.

“We know that students who have mental health issues, are LGBTQ or have experienced homelessness are more likely to struggle with suicide,” Mason said. “Even though we know these factors put young people at greater risk of committing suicide, they aren’t currently addressed in state suicide prevention guidance that’s issued to K-12 schools.”

House Bill 577 would require the Illinois State Board of Education to update its suicide prevention policies to take into consideration certain health conditions and life circumstances that make young people more likely to commit suicide. Some of the factors that would be incorporated into the board’s amended suicide prevention guidance include experiencing homelessness, having a mental illness, being LGBTQ, having a substance use disorder or engaging in self-harm. House Bill 577 received approval in the Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee earlier this month and is now up for consideration on the House floor.

“This legislation would strengthen our school suicide prevention policies and make sure that at-risk students are getting the help and support they need,” Mason said. “I’m committed to getting this measure passed into law and to continuing to fight for greater youth suicide prevention both in and out of the classroom.”

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