Springtime is now upon us. The bluer skies, brighter sun and singing birds offer a welcome relief from the long winter. But the joy of spring doesn’t touch everybody. In fact, suicide rates in the U.S. are highest this time of year.
In recent months, suicide has received increasing attention in Utah. Higher education and K-12 officials are placing new emphasis on mental health. A recent report from the Utah Foundation, “Getting to Tomorrow: Addressing Suicide in Utah and the Mountain States,” laid out the landscape of suicide in our region and explore possible interventions. And during the just-completed legislative session, a raft of new bills aimed at suicide prevention passed.
Among other provisions, the new laws will expand telehealth options, enlarge the pipeline for mental health professionals, bolster K-12 mental health supports and promote firearm safety.
