Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2019
Introduced: November 19, 2019
Co-introducers: Councilmembers Vincent Gray, Anita Bonds, Elissa Silverman, Mary Cheh, Brandon Todd
BILL TEXT | PRESS RELEASE | FACT SHEET
Summary: To amend the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985 to require continuing education for licensed health professionals on the subject of suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management to provide comprehensive care for at-risk patients.
Councilmember Grosso's Introduction Statement:
Today, along with Councilmembers Gray, Todd, Bonds, Silverman, and Cheh, I am introducing the Suicide Prevention Continuing Medical Education Amendment Act of 2019 to equip health professionals in the District of Columbia with the training they need to recognize and care for patients who are at risk of dying by suicide.
As chairperson of the Committee on Education, I see the struggles and trauma of young people that can lead them to contemplate or attempt suicide.
It is heartbreaking that between 10-15% of middle and high school students in the District of Columbia have made a suicide attempt and another 20% have made a plan to do so.
We have made great strides in our schools with the passage of my Youth Suicide Prevention and School Climate Survey Act and continuing to increase investments in school based mental health.
But our youth are not the only ones who need help.
Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds, the FOURTH leading cause of death for 25-34 year olds, and the FIFTH leading cause of death for 35-44 year olds.
And health care providers in the District of Columbia are on the front lines of suicide prevention.
Up to 45 percent of individuals who die by suicide have visited their primary care physician within a month of their death.
The bill I am introducing today would educate these and other health care professionals through continuing medical education on the subject of suicide risk assessment, treatment and management to provide comprehensive care for at-risk patients.
Requiring this training can help us further reduce the number of District residents who die by suicide each year.
I want to thank the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their partnership on this legislation and their outreach to build support during their first D.C. State Capitol Day last week.
I also want to thank the Trevor Project for voicing its support for this bill as well and their continued pursuit of policies that aim to reduce suicides, particularly among the LGBTQ community.
I welcome any co-sponsors.