NJ A2434

Establishes a single 25-member New Jersey Suicide Prevention Advisory Council in the Department of Human Services, consolidating two existing councils (the Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council and the Elderly Person Suicide Prevention Advisory Council)

Requires teaching staff members, licensed healthcare professionals (psychologists, social workers, nurses, physicians), and other professionals to report suspected suicide attempts or deaths to the Department of Health using non-identifying demographic information

Mandates the Commissioner of Children and Families to develop a Statewide youth suicide prevention plan within 180 days addressing data coordination, public awareness, barriers to mental health services, and evidence-based prevention programs

Directs the Commissioner of Health to develop a public awareness campaign on suicide prevention and to issue annual reports to the Legislature with aggregated data and legislative recommendations

Council membership includes 13 ex officio government officials and 12 public members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker, with expertise spanning mental health, education, substance abuse counseling, and lived experience with suicide