Texas Senate Bill SB1849

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a model suicide prevention policy, the incorporation of suicide prevention and intervention strategies in a crisis plan or disaster plan of certain state agencies, access to suicide death information maintained by the Department of State Health Services, and the establishment of the Texas Violent Death Reporting System.

Impact

The legislation mandates that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission develop along with community organizations a robust framework for suicide prevention. It calls for the incorporation of suicide prevention strategies into crisis and disaster plans used by state agencies, ensuring that these strategies are thoroughly reviewed and integrated into existing plans. This merger of suicide prevention strategies into disaster response is aimed at improving the overall mental health support mechanisms following crises or disasters.

Summary

SB1849 aims to address the critical issue of suicide prevention in Texas by establishing a model suicide prevention policy. This model is intended for implementation across various state agencies, community coalitions, and institutions that serve populations at higher risk for suicide, such as veterans and rural residents. The bill outlines the necessity of recognizing signs of suicidality and connecting at-risk individuals with local mental health resources. It seeks to enhance the state's collaborative efforts in reducing suicide rates and providing postvention support following such incidents.

Contention

While SB1849 aims to unify and strengthen suicide prevention efforts, there may be concerns regarding the resources allocated to implement these policies effectively. Critics might argue that placing requirements on state agencies to incorporate these strategies could stretch existing resources thin, especially in areas already grappling with mental health service shortages. Moreover, the effectiveness of these policies will depend on the appropriateness and adequacy of the training provided to individuals who may not be mental health professionals but will be involved in the implementation of the model suicide prevention policy.