Bill Seeks To Revise Suicide Prevention Program

A House bill that will revise the state suicide prevention program has received great support from Montana’s legislators.

House Bill 70, sponsored by Kenneth Holmlund, R-Miles City, passed its second reading by a 99-1 margin last week.

“It’s a good bill that we can work with,” Holmlund told House members. “Let’s work to lessen suicides in the state of Montana.”

He noted that he’s tired of Montana always being in the nation’s top three for suicide rates.

Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, said communities need to be uplifted during tragic times. She mentioned the anxiety and stress that people have experienced during the past year.

The bill aims to modernize the program to build on existing programs and reflect national research and current best practice as well as revise requirements for the suicide reduction plan.

The legislation seeks for the Department of Public Health and Human Services to conduct a statewide communications campaigns aimed at normalizing the need for all Montanans to address their mental health and utilizing both paid and free media including digital and social media, and including input from government agencies, school representatives from elementary schools through higher education, mental health advocacy groups, veterans groups and other relevant non-profit organizations.

Also noted is a partnership with Montana’s tribes and tribal organizations including communication and training that is culturally appropriate.

Holmlund said that traditionally people have dealt with the problem by putting their heads in the sand. “We need to have discussions about it,” he said.