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Bill Status of HB4558
93rd General Assembly (Illinois)
IDPH-SUICIDE PREVENTION

• In 2001 there were 1,131 suicides in Illinois, 67 greater than the number of murders. Yet, only murder has received funding, programs and media attention.
• There are an average of three suicide deaths in Illinois per day. There are seven to ten attempts in Illinois for each of those deaths.
• For every completed suicide at least 6 other persons are impacted.
• Suicide is a leading fatal injury among the older Illinoisans.
• Adolescents are the most likely age group to attempt suicide with approximately 15,500 youth suicide attempts in 2001.

• Formation of Suicide Prevention and Strategic Planning Committee
  • Grassroots creator, planner, monitor and advocate for the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan
  • Will consist of IDPH appointed members from a board based set of agencies and constituents
  • Create general awareness and screening program
  • Establish interagency policies and procedures for all agencies to implement programs
• Development and distribution of statewide suicide prevention information
  • IDPH shall distribute materials statewide to schools, agencies, hospitals, churches, and places of employment about warning signs of suicide and the suicide cycle
  • Depression and suicide screening system shall be available in all communities.
  • Designation of Suicide Awareness Week or Month with public media campaign on suicide
• Creation of Suicide Prevention Pilot Programs
  • IDPH shall establish five pilot programs providing training and direct services to youth, elderly, special populations, hi-risk populations and professional caregivers, when funding is appropriated.
  • Additional physician and other provider training about hi-risk cases
  • Peer support for youth and elderly
  • Means restriction advocacy and collaboration
  • Intervening and support after a suicide

Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2004) -- The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) today applauded President Bush for signing into law the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. The new law amends the Public Health Act and authorizes $82 million over three years to states, Indian tribes and colleges and universities for the development of youth suicide prevention and intervention programs. Suicide, the third-leading cause of death among young people, takes the life of one person under the age of 25 every two hours and 15 minutes. One in 12 college students today has made a suicide plan.

The bill calls for early screening programs to identify mental illness in children and provide treatment referrals, training for community child-care professionals and the authorization of a Suicide Prevention Resource Center, which will provide training and technical assistance to states and other eligible entities.

Jerry Reed, executive director of SPAN USA, attended the bill-signing ceremony, which took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. He applauded President Bush for his support of this vital piece of legislation. Reed stated, "The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act is the first authoriation to be signed into law specifically for youth suicide prevention. If fully funded, this bill can save the lives of thousands of young people. In 2001, suicide, which is the third-leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 10-24, claimed more than 4,000 young lives. SPAN USA will continue to work with Congress to ensure full funding of this legislation and establish mental health parity to ensure that all Americans have access to mental health services."

"Today is an important day for thousands of survivors, who have fought hard to turn their loss into the prevention of someone else's," Reed continued. "SPAN USA is thankful for Senator Gordon Smith and his wife, Sharon Smith, for their courage to turn their grief into action."