Senate Passes Manning Bill Improving Suicide Prevention Effort

COLUMBUS— On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 126, sponsored by State Senators Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), to help improve Ohio's suicide prevention efforts and expand student access to mental health services in crisis situations. "I am thankful to my Senate colleagues for passing this important bill making it easier for mental health specialists to provide care during a critical moment when immediate attention is required," said Manning. "Taking the mental health of our young children seriously is imperative, and increasing access to resources to these initiatives will result in a safer and healthier environment for young people." The legislation will provide immediate help to children in danger of harming themselves, or others by allowing a mental health professional to begin a crisis assessment in situations where a parent or guardian is unavailable to provide consent. “We cannot wait to respond to a child in crisis. Also, Ohio cannot wait to address a trend of younger people dying by suicide," said Dave Covell, RS, MPH, Health Commissioner, Lorain County Public Health. "SB 126 updates the ORC to make it possible to save younger lives.” Senate Bill 126 provides up to $3,640,000 in FY21 to distribute grants of $70,000 to each Educational Services Center (ESC) in Ohio to support the employment of licensed independent social worker, partnering with neighboring school districts to provide mental health services to students. "I would like to thank Senator Manning for his support of the needs of the whole child," said Superintendent Franco Gallo, ESC of Lorain County. "Anytime we can direct our support to the social-emotional well-being of our children, that is a win for all of us." Senate Bill 126 will be now be sent to the Ohio House for further consideration.