New legislation and a marketing campaign seek to prevent suicide and promote mental health in the Empire State.
On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Student Lifeline Act that requires colleges across the state to print information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on all student ID cards. Colleges that don’t issue IDs will be required to distribute 988 information annually to students in another form.
Along with the new legislation, and in conjunction with Suicide Prevention Month, the state has launched a $5 million campaign to raise awareness about the lifeline which is free, confidential, and can be accessed 24/7 by phone, text, or chat.
“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline means that help is always available, whether it’s for someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or who knows someone needing this assistance,” Governor Hochul said. “As we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, we must ensure all New Yorkers are aware of this critical resource and are willing to use it whenever they or someone they know needs help.”
The campaign will be led by the state’s Office of Mental Health and will use the slogan “We Hear You.” It is aimed at encouraging New Yorkers to use the 988 service whenever they or someone they know is having a mental health or substance abuse crisis.
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