West Virginia Code 18-2-40 – Suicide prevention awareness training; dissemination of information
(a)(1) Legislative findings. — The Legislature recognizes that the state of West Virginia has one of the highest rates of suicide in the nation, and that suicide serves as one of the leading causes of death in our state.
Terms Used In West Virginia Code 18-2-40
- board: means a county board of education. See West Virginia Code 18-1-1
- School: means the students and teachers assembled in one or more buildings, organized as a unit. See West Virginia Code 18-1-1
- State: when applied to a part of the United States and not restricted by the context, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" also include the said district and territories. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10
- State board: means the West Virginia Board of Education. See West Virginia Code 18-1-1
(2) The Legislature further finds that nationwide, suicide rates amongst adolescents and young adults are on the rise. As a result of disrupted families, poverty, and the opioid crises which have severely affected a significant number of families across this state, West Virginia’s students face a number of issues which may increase their risk of suicide.
(3) Consequently, the Legislature finds that it is imperative that those in our education system closest to our students receive training to increase their ability to better recognize students who may be exhibiting signs that they are at risk of suicide.
(b) On or before September 1, 2020, and each year thereafter, the State Board of Education shall provide for the routine education of all professional educators, including principals and administrators, and those service personnel having direct contact with students on warning signs and resources to assist in suicide prevention under guidelines established by the state board. The education may be accomplished through self-review of suicide prevention materials and resources approved by the state board.
(c) On or before September 1, 2020, and each year thereafter, a public middle and high school administrator shall disseminate and provide opportunities to discuss suicide prevention awareness information to all middle and high school students. The information may be obtained from the Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities or from a commercially developed suicide prevention training program approved by the State Board of Education in consultation with the bureau to assure the accuracy and appropriateness of the information.
(d) The provisions of this section shall be known as Jamie’s Law.