According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-24. Alarmingly, 20% of U.S. high school students in 2023 reported seriously considering attempting suicide during the previous 12 months.

Ensuring students have immediate access to crisis resources can help them seek and receive support when they need it most. Many middle schools and high schools throughout the Commonwealth issue identification cards to their students. I will soon reintroduce legislation that would require those ID cards to also display a national, state, or local suicide prevention hotline number, such as 988, the nationwide crisis hotline.

Legislatures in Michigan and New Hampshire have both passed similar legislation in recent years.

By raising awareness and providing resources directly to students, we can better support their mental health and help prevent the worst from occurring. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.