collaboration.

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A. The “service members and veterans suicide prevention program” is established within the department. If deemed appropriate, the department may develop and operate the program in collaboration with the department of health or other state agencies and when practicable with community services organizations, including nonprofit organizations, and with federal partners and individuals directly impacted by risk of or loss from suicide of a service member, veteran or family member.

B. The program established pursuant to Subsection A of this section shall be designed to:

(1)     raise awareness of and reduce death by suicide within the population of service members, veterans and family members;

(2)     work to reduce barriers at the community and individual level that increase the risk of suicide by increasing access to crisis and suicide prevention services;

(3)     connect service members, veterans and family members whose need for services are based upon a risk of death by suicide or other circumstances outlined by the program, with appropriate community and mental health providers and resources;

(4)     raise awareness of and access to behavioral health services and resources and promote evidence-based best practices and safe messaging to increase awareness of suicide prevention hotlines and other crisis resources available to service members, veterans and family members;

(5)     within the framework of the program, advocate for service members, veterans and family members at risk for suicide; and

(6)     work to increase public awareness about the issue of suicide among service members, veterans and family members and its root causes.

C. In implementing the program as provided in Subsection A of this section, and on an ongoing basis, the department shall develop methods to provide support and guidance to communities aiding in the development of strategic planning designed to reduce suicide among service members, veterans and family members, including the engagement and coordination of local leadership, faith-based entities, schools, chambers of commerce, public and private providers, grassroots coalitions and other stakeholders as identified and appropriate.

D. The department shall collaborate with the department of health and any other appropriate state agency to promote mental health awareness, including:

(1)     the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline;

(2)     the veterans crisis line and the veterans crisis line for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing;

(3)     the national suicide prevention lifeline; and

(4)     local resources available to assist in crisis intervention and ongoing supports.