| Suicidal thoughts or mental health issues can affect anyone. In an effort to prevent tragedies from occurring and get help to those who need it, the Indiana General Assembly has passed a number of measures in recent years to improve Indiana’s overall mental health.
In our most recent budget, we allocated $100 million in funding to address mental health issues across Indiana. The Family and Social Services Administration, in tandem with the Department of Health, is distributing these funds where they are needed most.
Additionally, to protect the young people in our state struggling with their mental health, many student ID cards are required to include the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Legislation I sponsored in 2020 was passed to give localities the ability to create suicide and overdose fatality review, teams. A new law I authored was passed this year as well, requiring the Department of Health to prepare an annual report compiling data on all suicides in Indiana in order to help lawmakers have better information to address the problem in the future.
Mental health has always been and will continue to be a priority of mine as your state senator. Access to proper resources is essential to begin the recovery process when dealing with mental health challenges. With each piece of legislation passed, it is my hope more Hoosiers will be provided the help and support they need to make rehabilitation easier for the individual and their loved ones.
This month especially, it is important to make sure we are aware of the resources available to us to be able to discuss suicide prevention and seek out treatment for those in need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, visit BeWellIndiana.org to be connected to a mental health professional.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 9-8-8. |
