SB1425 Summary

• Establishes new Department of Public Health duties for suicide prevention activities including coordinating statewide programs, seeking federal funding, preparing the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, and providing technical support to the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance.

• Requires the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance to submit an updated 2020 Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan within one year that incorporates current National Suicide Prevention Strategy recommendations, current research, and measures to implement the Zero Suicide model in health care systems.

• Updates legislative findings to reflect current suicide statistics showing 1,474 Illinois deaths by suicide in 2017 (an 38% increase since 2004) and emphasizes integration of suicide prevention into behavioral and physical health care services.

• Modifies reporting requirements so the Department must submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly on suicide prevention activities and recommendations for legislative changes, with input from the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance.

• Authorizes the Department to establish pilot and demonstration programs consistent with the Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan when funds are appropriated, allocated competitively based on suicide risk factors by age, ethnicity, geography, and gender.