S8659
An act to establish a Black youth suicide prevention task force — 2024-05-21 · Calendar #1122
The New York State Senate passed legislation establishing a Black youth suicide prevention task force, with all 61 senators voting in favor. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Brouk, responds to alarming national data showing suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Americans ages 10-24, with Black youth experiencing a 144 percent increase in suicide rates between 2007 and 2020. Brouk emphasized that Black LGBTQ youth face compounding discrimination and that community and police violence create racial trauma that increases suicide risk. The task force will examine causes of Black youth suicide and work to connect young people with mental health care and resources. Sen. Helming, while supporting the measure, called on the Majority to also bring a rural youth suicide prevention task force bill to the floor, noting that rural communities face significant barriers to accessing mental health services.
Passed Senate
Ayes: 61
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
Sen. Brouk highlighted that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 in America, with Black youth suicide rates increasing 144 percent between 2007 and 2020. She emphasized that Black LGBTQ youth face compounding discrimination and that community and police violence create racial trauma adding to suicide risk factors. The legislation would create a dedicated task force to understand causes of Black youth suicide and connect young people with care and resources. Sen. Helming expressed support but noted the absence of a companion rural youth suicide prevention task force bill from the agenda.