Oregon One of Three States Without Teen Suicide Prevention, Bill Proposed

Currently, Oregon is one of only three states without suicide prevention requirements for schools, and the results have been deadly.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, suicide has risen steadily among the state’s youth over the last decade, and suicide is now the leading cause of death for youth, ages 10 to 24. OHA also reports Oregon’s rates are well above the national average.

Senate Bill 52 would enact new law, requiring Oregon school districts to enact suicide prevention policies. The bill is named Adi’s Act, after Adi Staub, a transgender  student that committed suicide in 2017.

Supporters for the bill include Basic Rights Oregon, the Oregon School Boards Association. The bill is sponsored by 25 lawmakers in the House and Senate.