Suicide is a serious and growing public health concern in the United States. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and rates of suicide deaths have increased in almost every state since 1999. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional stress for at-risk individuals with calls to lifelines increasing significantly across the U.S. This webinar will focus on the rollout of the national three digit suicide prevention lifeline, states role in the implementation of this national lifeline and the policies states can implement to improve responses to these crisis calls. Speakers will also discuss ways of strengthening public health infrastructure to improve suicide prevention.

Moderator

• Charlie Severance-Medaris, policy specialist, NCSL Health Program

Speakers

• Senator Daniel Thatcher, Utah
• Representative Steve Eliason, Utah
• Julie Ebin, manager, Special Initiatives, Education Development Center, Suicide Prevention Resource Center