House Bill 2461 was introduced to enhance suicide prevention efforts across Pennsylvania, says State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129). This legislation, known as the Matt Adler Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Act, would require the State Board of Psychology and the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors to have at least one hour of continuing education in the assessment, treatment and management of suicide. The bill is in the House Professional Licensure Committee awaiting consideration.
This legislation enhances efforts by the House, which adopted Act 71 of 2014 to require school entities to adopt a youth suicide awareness and prevention policy, and require educators in Pennsylvania’s public and charter schools who teach sixth through 12th grade to receive four hours of training on suicide prevention every five years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 39,000 Americans end their own lives, nearly 500,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries, and 1 million adults report making a suicide attempt. Many more people struggle with thoughts of suicide.
Sept. 10 marked World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness of this serious public health problem that affects people of all ages.
