By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved a House-approved bill that would require that student ID cards include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone numbers and text message numbers. 

   “This is a critical step in increasing information and access to life saving support and resources, while working to eliminate the mental health stigma those in crisis fear and face,” said co-sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (Framingham). “At one point or another, we have all faced the difficulty of not knowing where to turn for help or assistance … I am forever thankful to the MetroWest Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention for first bringing the idea of this legislation to my attention and to Ashland High School for modeling similar policies. 988 is a supportive resource, and I encourage anyone who faces times of crisis to use this hotline to access compassionate support.”

   “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,” said House co-sponsor Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). “This will ensure that they, and their friends, know a trusted mental health resource in a time of need.”

   Supporters noted 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 said 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.