Support Us
Arizona is committed to preventing suicide through comprehensive legislation that addresses mental health awareness, education, and access to care. This page provides an overview of key suicide-related laws in Arizona. These laws are designed to support individuals at risk, provide essential training for educators and mental health professionals, and ensure access to necessary mental health services. Understanding these laws is crucial for educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members who are working together to prevent suicide and support mental health.

Education and Training

1. The Mitch Warnock Act
  • What It Is: A law that requires suicide prevention training for public school employees.
  • Who It Affects: Teachers and staff working with students in grades 6-12.
  • Why It Matters: Helps school staff recognize warning signs of suicide and provides them with the tools to intervene and connect students to mental health resources.
  • Legal Reference: Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-120 (2019)
2. HB 2454 - Suicide Prevention Continuing Education
  • What It Is: A requirement for licensed mental health professionals to complete continuing education in suicide prevention.
  • Who It Affects: Licensed mental health professionals.
  • Why It Matters: Ensures that professionals are up-to-date with the latest suicide prevention techniques.
  • Legal Reference: Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-3275 (2021)
3. Expansion of Training Programs (2024)
  • What It Is: Expands mandatory suicide prevention training to all school employees.
  • Who It Affects: All school employees, including administrative and support staff.
  • Why It Matters: Ensures a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention throughout the entire school system.
  • Legal Reference: Proposed legislative updates to Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-12

Mental Health Resources Acess

1. Jake's Law
  • What It Is: A law ensuring that mental health services are covered by insurance in the same way as physical health services.
  • Who It Affects: Individuals seeking mental health care, especially children in schools.
  • Why It Matters: Provides funding for mental health services in schools and improves crisis services, including mobile crisis teams and the 988 Lifeline.
  • Legal Reference: Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-1137 (2020)
2. Telehealth Services (2024)
  • What It Is: Ensures that mental health services provided via telehealth are covered the same as in-person services.
  • Who It Affects: Individuals seeking mental health care, especially in rural areas.
  • Why It Matters: Improves access to mental health care for people who might not be able to attend in-person appointments.
  • Legal Reference: Proposed amendments to Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-1137

Youth and Community Program

1. SB 1468 - Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention Program
  • What It Is: A statewide program for early intervention and prevention of youth suicide.
  • Who It Affects: Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
  • Why It Matters: Promotes collaboration to identify at-risk youth and provide necessary support and interventions.
  • Legal Reference: Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-1281 (2022)
2. Youth Suicide Prevention Initiatives (2024)
  • What It Is: Increases funding for youth suicide prevention programs, focusing on high-risk communities.
  • Who It Affects: Youth, particularly marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ youth and Native American communities.
  • Why It Matters: Provides targeted support and education to communities at higher risk of suicide.
  • Legal Reference: New initiatives under Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-1281
3. HB 2565 - Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
  • What It Is: Designates September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
  • Who It Affects: Schools, organizations, and communities in Arizona.
  • Why It Matters: Encourages participation in activities and campaigns to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
  • Legal Reference: Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-2456 (2023)
4. HB 2596 - Safe to Tell Program
  • What It Is: A program providing a confidential way to report threats to safety, including potential suicides.
  • Who It Affects: Students, teachers, and community members.
  • Why It Matters: Allows for anonymous reporting of safety concerns, helping to prevent potential tragedies.
  • Legal Reference: Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-1202 (2023)