For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2019
Contact:
Matthew Nocella, 202.724.8105 - mnocella@dccouncil.us
Councilmember Grosso seeks to further reduce suicides with training for healthcare professionals
Washington, D.C. – Health care professionals in the District of Columbia would be required to complete suicide prevention training under new legislation introduced by Councilmember David Grosso today.
“Health care providers are on the front lines of suicide prevention every day,” said Grosso, who is a member of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Health. “Equipping them to spot the warning signs of suicide and connect their patients with the appropriate treatment will help D.C. further reduce the number of District residents who die by suicide each year.”
The Suicide Prevention Continuing Medical Education Amendment Act of 2019 requires health care professionals to complete training on suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management to provide comprehensive care for at-risk patients as part of their continuing medical education requirements.
Research indicates that as many as 45 percent of suicide victims had visited their primary care physician within a month of their death, making such visits prime opportunities to identify at-risk patients.
Suicide remains a leading cause of death among key age groups in the District of Columbia It is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds, the fourth leading cause of death for 25 to 34-year-olds, and the fifth leading cause of death for 35 to 44-year-olds.
The legislation is supported by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, the nation's largest non-profit dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide through research, awareness, and aid to those affected.
“Suicide prevention and mental health awareness starts with the local community,” said Trevor Bernard, Public Policy Chair of AFSP’s National Capital Area Chapter. “The Suicide Prevention Continuing Medical Education Amendment Act will ensure education and training for medical professionals to help recognize and support their patients who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. We appreciate Councilmember David Grosso’s leadership on this legislation and ask the community and the rest of the Council of the District of Columbia to support this bill so that we may take the steps necessary to one day live in a world without suicide."
Suicide, both deaths and attempts, cost D.C. a total of $53,227,000 combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,298,219 per suicide death, according to AFSP.
“I want to thank the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their partnership on this legislation, their outreach to build support during their first D.C. State Capitol Day last week, and all their efforts to support our residents who are struggling with suicide,” said Grosso.
Councilmember Grosso has made suicide prevention a focus of his tenure on the Council, especially in the District’s schools. As chairperson of the Committee on Education, Grosso passed the Youth Suicide Prevention and School Climate Survey Amendment Act in 2016 and has championed better planning for and secured greater investments in school-based mental and behavioral health supports.
“I see the struggles and trauma of young people–the loss of a loved one, gun violence, school bullying and or inadequate mental health resources in our schools–that can lead them to contemplate or attempt suicide,” Grosso said. “We have made great strides in schools, but our youth are not the only ones who need help.”
Health Committee Chairperson Vincent Gray joined Councilmember Grosso as a co-introducer of the legislation, along with Councilmembers Anita Bonds, Elissa Silverman, Mary Cheh and Brandon Todd.
The bill was referred to the Committee on Health.
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