Sununu signs bill that provides for suicide prevention training in N.H. schools

Gov. Chris Sununu ... calls bill a major step forward in reducing suicides among our young people. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Gov. Chris Sununu today signed a bill that will strengthen suicide prevention education in schools.
"Suicide is preventable, and it starts with us," said Gov. Sununu. "With passage of this bill our state is taking a major step forward in youth suicide prevention efforts. We know that today is not the end of our work, but it is an important first step."
"We thank Governor Sununu and the Legislature for passing SB282," said Martha Dickey, whose son lost his life to suicide. "We believe that it provides a framework and path forward for mental health and for suicide awareness and prevention in New Hampshire. It sends a message to New Hampshire's youth that the state and community are here for them."
State Sen. Jeb Bradley, a prime sponsor of the bill, said the teaching and training of school staff about depression and suicide prevention is key to reducing the number of these tragic deaths.

"It is heartbreaking, but suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people in New Hampshire," said Bradley, R-Wolfeboro. "Teachers and school staff need and want training to identify the warning signs to help their students before this tragic event occurs. We all want our children to be safe and this will be one way to ensure any child in crisis receives the care they deserve."
"From the moment Governor Sununu shared the Dickey Family's story in December, I quickly got to work with Martha and Paul Dickey so that we could move legislation forward that would combat youth suicide," said Rep. Gates Lucas, R-Sunapee. "SB 282 combines the key provisions of the bill I introduced - the Jason Flatt Act - with other youth suicide prevention provisions so that we can work to end youth suicide in New Hampshire."