SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan moving in the Capitol could improve access to mental health resources and suicide prevention efforts in Illinois. Sponsors and advocates told reporters in Springfield that the state must do everything possible to save more lives.
Illinois leaders know the national suicide hotline has helped countless people since 988 was launched in 2020. Congress provides grants to each state to help fund call centers and services, but there are still people who may not know who to contact if they need help.
"Suicide prevention requires awareness, education and access to resources, all the things that this bill addresses," said Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).
Belt said 988 information should be visible in county shelter care homes, daycares, public libraries, colleges, hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. His plan also requires school boards to include age-appropriate suicide prevention curriculum in health courses for students in sixth through 12th grade.
"Our kids experience stress that you cannot imagine," said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "Even if they're not with their friends, they have that phone and social media in their face. Not all of it is pleasant. Not all of it is good."
The Illinois Department of Corrections would also be tasked with providing suicide prevention resources to people leaving prison. This comes as more than 1,500 lives are lost to suicide in Illinois each year.
Advocates like Tammy Bush are committed to helping people of all ages know there is help available. The proposal is named Tammurra's Act in memory of Bush's daughter.
"If even one young person learns to ask for help before despair takes over, then this bill would have done its job," Bush said.
This bill has been assigned to the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee. The deadline to pass bills out of Senate committees is March 13.Â
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