SB24-007 Summary

• Creates a Behavioral Health First Aid Training Program in the Office of Suicide Prevention within the Department of Public Health and Environment to train candidates (educators, school staff, community organizations, law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel) to teach mental health and substance use awareness courses.

• Requires the Office to contract with a Colorado-based nonprofit third-party entity to administer the program and offer train-the-trainer courses for teens ages 15-18 and adults who work with youth ages 12-18, as well as general adult mental health training.

• Mandates at least 50% of appropriated funds be used for trainings focused on youth, teens, and young adults, with the program offered at no cost to selected participating organizations based on geographic diversity and implementation plans.

• Appropriates $250,000 annually from the general fund starting July 1, 2024, to support program administration and requires the Office to evaluate effectiveness using pre- and post-course surveys and submit annual reports to the General Assembly.

• Program is scheduled for repeal September 1, 2033, with a mandatory legislative review in accordance with state law.