Rep. Noble: Passage of youth suicide prevention measure

By Oregon State Representative Ron Noble,

SALEM, Ore. – Today the Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill to address the alarming rise in suicidal ideation among children. Representative Ron Noble (R-McMinnville,) chief sponsor of the bill, was joined by ten of his Republican colleagues as regular sponsors.

The proposal would encourage mental health care providers who believe a minor is at risk of attempting suicide to disclose relevant information to a parent, guardian or other individuals who can help take necessary safety measures.

“We need to address the current mental health challenges that our young kids are facing,” said Rep. Noble. “Data has shown that the pandemic’s effects on children and youth coincides with a startling rise in mental health problems, including the increase of suicidal ideation among those between 10 and 17 years old. This bill will empower mental health professionals to rely on their experience and expertise to enlist support of a young person’s family and loved ones who can help before it’s too late.”

HB 3139A was passed with bipartisan support in the House.