A bill aimed at preventing youth suicide awaits final approval from Kansas’ governor.
Over the weekend, the Kansas House and Senate unanimously voted for the Jason Flatt Act, which requires free online suicide awareness training for teachers.
If Governor Sam Brownback signs the bill into law, Kansas would become the 19th state to adopt the Jason Flatt Act.
Johnson County teen inspires senator
Kansas Senator Greg Smith introduced the bill earlier this year after hearing about Johnson County mom Cathy Housh who lost her teenage daughter, Cady, to suicide.
"I really wanted to get involved and make sure what happened to Cady and our family that we can try to prevent,” said Cathy Housh.
Housh helped push for the bill in the Kansas legislature by testifying to state lawmakers about the importance of the Jason Flatt Act.
Similar bill across the state line
A similar bill in Missouri still awaits a hearing in the Missouri House of Representatives. State Representative Randy Dunn of Kansas City introduced the bill after seeing our story on Housh and her daughter in November.
A Missouri House committee unanimously approved the bill in March, but it has yet to be introduced to the full House for consideration.
Resources:
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call them at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Coping with suicide loss from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Access Crisis Intervention Hotlines in Missouri
- Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Additional resources from Missouri Department of Mental Health
- Additional resources from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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Patrick Fazio can be reached at patrick.fazio@kshb.com.
