Suicidal thoughts or mental health issues can affect anyone. In an effort to prevent tragedies from occurring and get help to those who need it, the Indiana General Assembly has passed a number of measures in recent years to improve Indiana’s overall mental health.
Senator Stacey Donato said in a recent statement, “In our most recent budget, we allocated $100 million in funding to address mental health issues across Indiana. The Family and Social Services Administration, in tandem with the Department of Health, is distributing these funds where they are needed most.”
She went on to say, “Additionally, to protect the young people in our state struggling with their mental health, many student ID cards are required to include the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”
Legislation was also passed to give localities the ability to create suicide and overdose fatality review teams, and this year, legislators passed a new law requiring the Department of Health to prepare an annual report compiling data on all suicides in Indiana in order to help lawmakers have better information to address the problem in the future.
Senator Donato said, “This month, it is important to make sure we are aware of the resources available to us to be able to discuss suicide prevention and seek out treatment for those in need.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, visit BeWellIndiana.org to be connected to a mental health professional.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 9-8-8.
