Mental health in youth has become a top issue nationally. According to the Center for DiseaseControl, suicide is the second leading cause of death for many of our nation’s youth and young adults. Understanding the need for additional supports for students struggling with their mental health, Harsha Behavioral Center set out to address the issue in an impactful way, pursuing a legislative mandate for schools to include the 9-8-8 crisis hotline on student identification cards for students in sixth grade and higher.
RJL Solutions sought the partnership of key leaders in the Indiana General Assembly who had made known their commitment to improving mental health in the lives of all Hoosiers. Working with the legislation’s authors, RJL Solutions made the case for Harsha Behavioral Center’s legislative proposal, meeting with members of key committees, preparing testimony and talking points for witnesses and engaging relevant stakeholders in the fight to pass this important legislation.
Originally passing the Indiana Senate in Senate Bill 19, the language was ultimately moved to House Bill 1468, which was adopted by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Holcomb on April 29, 2021. As a result, all K-12 institutions who issue student ID cards today are required to print the 9-8-8 crisis hotline on those of students in grades 6-12.
The legislation in its entirety can be found here.
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