Governor Signs Suicide Prevention Bill Authored by Pasadena Area Senator

Senator Portantino on the California State Senate floor. – Courtesy photo

Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 972, suicide prevention legislation authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino.

“I would like to thank Governor Brown for signing SB 972 and his support on this important issue. As a father and a legislator, the safety of our children continues to be a priority. My hope is to foster an open dialogue about suicide and to help prevent these horrific tragedies. If one life can be saved through this bill then all of our efforts will have been worth it,” commented Senator Portantino.

Senator Portantino is a strong advocate for suicide prevention and mental health policy.  SB 972 requires public, charter, and private schools that serve pupils from seventh – 12^th and higher education to print the National Suicide Prevention Hotline telephone number on student identification cards. Adolescent suicide and self-inflicted injury are a serious social and public health concern. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24.

SB 972 is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics California, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, California Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, California Catholic Conference, California Junior Leagues’ State Public Affairs Committee, Pal Alto Mid-Peninsula Junior League, California School Boards Association, California School Nurses Organization, California State PTA, County Behavioral Health Directors Association, Disability Rights California (DRC), Hathaway–Sycamores, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, High School Parent Engagement Group, Mental Health America of California (MHAC), Pacific Clinics, and Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Administrators of California.

More from News