By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation that 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 from 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.

“Suicides were the second leading cause of death among children in Massachusetts in 2020, which is an alarming statistic,” said co-sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “We must ensure that every student has the information at their fingertips to get the support and resources they need. Seeking help is hard even for the most self-aware adults. Providing the avenues to support is essential to promoting positive and sustainable public health practices.

“This is a simple proposal that can have critical impact, ensuring our students are equipped with the 988 Behavioral Help Line on their student IDs, if they, or their friends, need to connect with resources to support and trusted mental health resources,” said co-sponsor Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster).