By Bob Katzen

This bill would require all public schools with grades 6 to 12, and all public and private colleges to include on their student identification cards the telephone and text number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The bill includes a provision that allows any schools and colleges which have a supply of old ID cards without the 988 line to continue to distribute those IDS until the supply is gone.

Supporters said that while suicide is a leading cause of death for people of all ages in the United States, young people are particularly at risk. They noted that according to a study published by the National Center for Health Statistics at the end of last year, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 15-24, representing a 56 percent increase in the previous decade. They argued that there are significant disparities in these numbers, with LGBTQ+ youth being at greater risk, and Black youth seeing a 73 percent increase in youth suicide rates in that same time period.

“It can be difficult for someone to reach out for help even in the best of times and it is essential that we seize every opportunity to provide the necessary resources for our children,” said co-sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “[The bill] is a vital step in connecting those in their most vulnerable years with the lifesaving help and assistance they need and put the commonwealth in line with the 19 states including Arkansas, Louisiana and New York who have passed similar legislation.”

“This legislation is one simple way we can make sure our students have the resources they need to help themselves and their friends in a time of crisis,” said co-sponsor Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). “The 988 Helpline is a critical support for our community, and ensuring all of our youth learn about it will help all future generations get the mental health support they need when they need it most.”