Bill > S03610

This bill establishes the Rural Suicide Prevention Council, a diverse 15-member body appointed by state government leaders, to address mental health challenges in rural areas. The council will include representatives from various state agencies, mental health professionals, community members with lived experience, and experts in rural affairs. Its key duties include identifying barriers to mental health and substance use treatment, assessing mental health crisis service capacity, evaluating the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's rural utilization, and identifying vulnerable populations like farmers and agricultural workers. The council will specifically focus on understanding and addressing suicide prevention challenges unique to rural communities by examining demographic and cultural differences, recommending policy improvements, and suggesting funding initiatives to increase mental health service access. Members will serve without compensation but can receive expense reimbursements, and are required to submit a preliminary report within nine months and a final report with legislative recommendations within eighteen months of the bill's effective date. The bill is designed to be in effect for two years, after which its provisions will be automatically repealed.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3610