Suicide continues to affect many Washington families and communities
Over the last 10 years, Washington state has become a leader in suicide prevention by:
- Investing in upstream suicide prevention strategies
- Requiring training for all health care professionals
Forefront has worked with the Washington legislature on these successful suicide prevention policies.
But suicide rates in Washington continue to be unacceptably high, especially across youth, rural, tribal, Veteran and LGBTQ populations.
Forefront will focus on two major behavioral health initiatives during the 2021 legislative session:
1. Implement the New 988 National Crisis Line and Improve Washington’s Behavioral Health Response Network:
This legislation proposes the transition of behavioral health crises from 911 to a 988 number with appropriate triage and follow-up services. Read more here.
2. Reduce Veteran, Military Service Member and Family Suicides:
The proposals in this legislation support the implementation of the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)’s official state plan to end Veteran suicide. Reducing Veteran suicides continues to be a priority for Forefront, and Forefront has contributed to the WDVA’s plans to address and reduce suicides among Veterans, military service members and their families. Read more here.