mINUTES OF THE
SENATE Committee on Human Resources and Facilities
Seventy-second Session
March 7, 2003
The Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities was called to order by Vice Chairman Barbara Cegavske, at 11:22 a.m., on Friday, March 7, 2003, in Room 2135 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. The meeting was videoconferenced to the Grant Sawyer State Office Building, Room 4412, 555 East Washington Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Chairman
Senator Barbara Cegavske, Vice Chairman
Senator Maurice E. Washington
Senator Dennis Nolan
Senator Joseph Neal
Senator Bernice Mathews
Senator Valerie Wiener
GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:
Senator Ann O’Connell, Clark County Senatorial District No. 5
Senator Randolph J. Townsend, Washoe County Senatorial District No. 4
Assemblyman David R. Parks, Assembly District No. 41
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
H. Pepper Sturm, Committee Policy Analyst
Cynthia Cook, Committee Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:
Carlos Brandenburg, Ph.D., Administrator, Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services, Department of Human Resources
Linda L. Flatt, Community Organizer, Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (SPAN)
Mary Liveratti, Deputy Director, Department of Human Resources
John Fildes, M.D., Principal Investigator, Suicide Prevention Research Center, University of Nevada School of Medicine
Marie Echo, Concerned Citizen
Corinne Ng, Concerned Citizen
Ginny Murphy, Concerned Citizen
Rena M. Nora, M.D., President, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Margaret Rogers, Concerned Citizen
Mike Bernstein, Health Education Department, Clark County Health District
Misty Vaugan Allen, Crisis Lines Coordinator, Crisis Call Center
Lynn Carrigan, Administrator, Nevada Public Health Foundation
Vic Davis, President, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Southern Nevada
Stacy Heiser, Crisis Lines Assistant, Crisis Call Center
Debra L. Brus, D.V.M., Public Health Epidemiologist, Washoe County District Health Department
Mark Nichols, Executive Director, National Association of Social Workers, Nevada Chapter
Janine Hansen, Lobbyist, Nevada Eagle Forum
John Wagner, Concerned Citizen
Donald O. Williams, Chief Principal Research Analyst, Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau
Cindy Marchant, Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County, Gardnerville
Jody Wass, Counselor, Carson Valley Middle School
Jessica Weisser, Concerned Citizen
Amy Courrier, Coordinator, Columbia Teen Screen Program
Sharon Appolloni, Staff Development Trainer, Washoe County School District
Lynn Chapman, Lobbyist, Nevada Families Education Foundation
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
We will open the hearing on Senate Bill (S.B.) 49.
SENATE BILL 49: Creates Statewide Program for Suicide Prevention within Department of Human Resources. (BDR 40-288)
Senator Ann O’Connell, Clark County Senatorial District No. 5:
During the interim, I chaired the Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Suicide Prevention. The 1999 Legislature approved State funding for a statewide suicide prevention hotline. In the most recent rankings of 1999/2000, Nevada was reported to have the second highest suicide rate in the nation. During the interim study, the subcommittee discovered the majority of suicide victims were residents of Nevada, not tourists. Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death in Nevada. It is the only State where there are more deaths by suicides than vehicle accidents. The subcommittee obtained extensive testimony from concerned citizens, educators, surviving family members, advocates, researchers, and health care providers. The goal is to establish and implement a State suicide prevention plan, increase State mental health services, and recognize the relationship of substance abuse and other disorders associated with suicide.
Senator Wiener:
Serving on the subcommittee has been a rewarding and profound experience. Continuing education for professionals who provide direct care to suicidal patients each day is an important issue.
Senator Randolph J. Townsend, Washoe County Senatorial District No. 4:
My comments today are as a member of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The commission heard testimony telling of 30 thousand deaths yearly to suicide with approximately $40 million being spent, compared to 15 thousand deaths attributable to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and $3.2 billion being spent. Specific goals the President has set forward in his authorization of the commission is to find programs that work, and expand upon them. Among problems the commission identified are the stigma for seeking care, access to necessary care, and fragmentation of services within the mental health community. The central coordinating role of State mental health authorities, as links between national and local suicide prevention efforts, requires an affirmation of historic state commitments to caring for people with serious mental illness.
Assemblyman David R. Parks, Assembly District No. 41:
Suicide is an issue that has affected me personally. For this reason I strongly support S.B. 49. On March 24, 2003 we will have suicide prevention day at the legislature.
Senator Dennis Nolan, Clark County Senatorial District No. 9:
I am testifying today in my capacity as a part-time investigator for the Clark County Coroner Office. Suicide has personally affected me. Four of my friends have taken their lives because of issues they were not able to overcome. Until my job with the coroner’s office, I did not realize the situation we are facing is of epidemic proportions. Investigations indicate individuals do not believe they are equipped to deal with issues with which they are faced, and make a desperate decision. People from all walks of life take their lives. One resource to consider is final suicide notes since they might give insight as to why people choose suicide.
Carlos Brandenburg, Ph.D., Administrator, Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services, Department of Human Resources:
I would like to introduce Linda Flatt, who has been the driving force behind this initiative.
Linda L. Flatt, Community Organizer, Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (SPAN):
I will read prepared testimony (Exhibit C) in support of S.B. 49.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
Do you approve of the Georgia Suicide Prevention Plan prepared by SPAN?
Ms. Flatt:
Most state plans have been modeled after national strategy used as a blueprint at the local level.
Senator Rawson:
Why, in the past 3 decades, has the suicide rate skyrocketed with males, and why is the rate so much higher in the West?
Dr. Brandenburg:
For an overview of the situation in Nevada, I would like to read prepared testimony, and present statistics compiled by the Suicide Prevention Research Center (Exhibit D and Exhibit E.).
Mary Liveratti, Deputy Director, Department of Human Resources:
I am here to offer information on S.B. 49 which would create a Statewide program for suicide prevention within the Department of Human Resources. Funding to support this bill is not part of the Executive Budget, and the department is proposing to use revenue maximization, or Maximus funds, to start the plan. Maximus is a provider of program management, consulting, and information technology services to state and local governments. One duty of the coordinator of the program will be to develop and submit proposals for funding to the federal government and nongovernmental organizations to provide support of the program.
Senator Washington:
Are there any factors to account for males, ages 20 to 40, having high suicide rates?
Dr. Brandenburg:
Nevada leads the nation in all age groups. Individuals from different age groups use a variety of factors to complete suicide.
Senator Washington:
What are some indicators of those at risk?
Dr. Brandenburg:
High-risk indicators are financial loss, poor health, isolation, rejection, and feelings of being alone. Depression is the number one factor. The common denominator in rural areas is isolation and lack of support systems.
Senator Washington:
What are some indicators in urban areas?
Dr. Brandenburg:
Loss of loved ones, stress, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and of being isolated.
Senator Washington:
Is there any statistical data concerning those with mental illness who commit suicide due to a lack of medication?
Dr. Brandenburg:
The division tracks the number of suicides committed by those for whom we provide services. A lack of medication contributes to the high rate of suicides within the community.
Senator Neal:
What is happening to support within our churches, and how can legislation solve one of the primary reasons for suicide, which is isolation?
Dr. Brandenburg:
A myth exists in the area of suicide to avoid discussion of the subject in order to prevent planting the idea, which may encourage action. Many church-support systems need to be educated to encourage talking about suicide. We must promote awareness.
Senator Neal:
How will this private family matter get to a public agency?
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
The Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Suicide Prevention identified existing state plans that have been successful. Senate Bill 49 will promote public awareness within churches, families, and schools; build community networks, and implement suicide-prevention training programs.
John Fildes, M.D., Principal Investigator, Suicide Prevention Research Center, University of Nevada School of Medicine:
I would like to speak in favor of the bill. Suicide is a huge public health burden. For every suicide there are 25 attempts, and among the young as many as 100 attempts. Numerous groups are working to prevent suicides and support survivors. Senate Bill 49 provides a framework and coordinating point for a consistent broad policy.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
Is there an explanation for the spike in the male population?
Dr. Fildes:
White and Native American males outnumber all categories. It is believed to be due to personality and behavioral makeup, driven by ethnicity, gender, and age. The common pathway among those who decide to commit suicide is chronic or situational depression. The sparse population and lack of services contribute to the high rate of suicides in the West.
Senator Neal:
The comparison of suicide rates between western and eastern states suggests distance makes interacting difficult.
Dr. Fildes:
That is the very center of the issue. The need for action is at the State level to bring broad educational materials to rural communities to destigmatize suicide. The use of modern technology, such as Crisis Call Centers and telephone or Internet intervention, will help persuade rural residents suicide is preventable. Sparsely populated areas in Scandinavian countries have effectively used simple intervention techniques to reduce suicide rates.
Marie Echo, Concerned Citizen:
My 12-year-old son, Michael, shot and killed himself on Tuesday, May 21, 2002. Michael was admitted to West Hills Hospital for 7 days on January 29, 200l. When he was released, he attended counseling with his father for 5 months. The counseling was considered a success. In February 2002, two doctors concluded Michael had suicidal tendencies and possible psychosis. They recommended evaluation by a psychiatrist. One year and 3 months after his first attempt, Michael killed himself. There had been no follow-up by the school or the Division of Child and Family Services. Michael had eight of the risk factors for suicide. A suicide prevention plan with guidelines might have recognized Michael as being at risk. Without a suicide prevention plan there may be another mother who has a last image of her 12-year-old lying in a box with an outline of a bullet hole on his forehead.
Corinne Ng, Concerned Citizen:
On December 19, 200l, my mother intentionally ended her life. I spoke to her by phone shortly before, and she informed me she no longer wished to live. My mother suffered from a mental illness most of her life. If this could happen to my family, it could happen to anyone’s family. I work with children every day in my line of work. The children in Nevada deserve the best education and resources to lead a positive life. The specific suicidal risk factors that exist for adolescents are a history of depression, previous suicide attempt, family history of psychiatric disorders, family disruption, physical disorder, and mental illness. Teachers, administrators, and counselors need to know these risk factors. Many suicides are preventable. For 15- to 24-year-olds suicide is among the three leading causes of death.
Ginny Murphy, Concerned Citizen:
On March 31, 2000, I received a visit from the coroner’s office to inform me my husband was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. The ripple effects of this have been gut wrenching, and the torment suffered by my children is unimaginable. We concentrate on the question, “Why?” Statistically, my son and daughter could also be at risk for suicide. It took 6 months to find the survivors of suicide group. I have had to rebuild my life, and each day I make a choice to live. I am here because I might be able to save your husband or even you. Not having a strategic plan to preserve life has put us in crisis. We can save some lives with common sense.
Rena M. Nora, M.D., President, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
I am here to express strong support for S.B. 49. Not a day goes by without one or two suicides or attempts in our State. The patient population in Nevada is a unique convergence of the elderly, homeless, and untreated chronic mentally ill. We cannot move fast enough to take care of this problem. Emphasis on funding for a coordinator-trainer, training, and education for gatekeepers, along with more effective medications for the mentally ill are key advances for the prevention of suicide.
Margaret Rogers, Concerned Citizen:
My husband took his life on August 31, 2001. Depression was the cause of his suicide.
Mike Bernstein, Health Education Department, Clark County Health District:
I am here to support S.B. 49. I have been working as a health educator for 13 years, and the past 2 years in the area of suicide prevention. The Clark County Health District has made suicide prevention a priority. The U.S. Surgeon General has led the way by publishing a blueprint for suicide prevention. Nevada needs a coordinated effort at the State and local level. A key component of the plan is the emphasis on awareness and intervention. Clark County has a public information plan. Years ago AIDS and breast cancer were taboo subjects, and today both are addressed openly. Education and erasing the stigma has greatly reduced deaths caused by these diseases. Suicide deaths remain a silent killer in our community. To prevent suicide we must recognize and understand depression. Depression is treatable and many suicides are preventable. We cannot prevent or treat if we are hesitant to talk about it. Research has shown gaming is not a key issue in suicide. Clark County has been working with the Crisis Call Center in Reno. We are publicizing a Statewide number, an Internet site is being developed, and radio spots are being prepared.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
If I see a poster at a bus stop with a phone number, what is going to happen when I make the phone call?
Mr. Bernstein:
You will be connected with the Crisis Call Center, and a trained person will answer the call. We are hoping the Internet site is more private, since it is known teens do not call hotlines.
Misty Vaugan Allen, Crisis Lines Coordinator, Crisis Call Center:
The Crisis Call Center received 12,000 calls in 1998, and 24,000 in 2002. A trained volunteer does the assessment when a call is received. Questions are asked such as, “are you thinking of suicide?” and, “do you have a plan?” Volunteers go through intense training, including emergency intervention techniques. One percent of the calls require emergency service. The goal is to empower the callers to help themselves and deescalate the situation. Finding hope, resources, and making them available are the goals of the center. Callers often know they need medication or treatment when they call, but they are unable to access it.
Lynn Carrigan, Administrator, Nevada Public Health Foundation:
On December 13, 2002, and January 31, 2003, The Nevada Public Health Foundation and the University of Nevada School of Medicine Office of Rural Health conducted suicide dialogues on interactive video with 14 Nevada communities. We focused on discussing suicide problems, resources available in communities, and approaches to use in rural Nevada. The broadcast sites included Battle Mountain, Caliente, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Hawthorne, Las Vegas, Lovelock, Owyhee, Pahrump, Reno, Tonopah, Winnemucca, and Yerington. There were 85 participants. The staff of the Nevada Public Health Foundation also gives classes in rural Nevada, and spoke to service providers about suicide prevention. In 2002 there was a suicide prevention class given to rural community health nurses. Our findings, based upon these contacts, are the need for suicide prevention services in rural Nevada is profound. The Department of Human Resources Rural Mental Health Services is invaluable, but not enough. Mental health treatment is not available everywhere in Nevada. Three people at the Tonopah site from Round Mountain were concerned about the possibility of suicide, and not knowing what to do. In Eureka, there is no access to mental health treatment unless there is transportation to Ely, which is more than an hour away. Transportation is also a problem for those needing residential or outpatient treatment. Service is often not available for minor children. People who are most at risk for suicide often do not seek treatment. Research has indicated 30 percent of depressed people seek treatment. If 70 percent are not seeking treatment, we need a method to reach them, or we leave the biggest part of the problem untouched. Residents in rural areas want suicide prevention education in schools, more mental health services, hotline services, outreach, and community development.
Vic Davis, President, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Southern Nevada:
I concur with all that has been said. In Las Vegas, individuals are not receiving needed mental health services.
Stacy Heiser, Crisis Lines Assistant, Crisis Call Center:
The information has been well covered, and the subcommittee did an outstanding job of gathering the necessary information.
Debra L. Brus, D.V.M., Public Health Epidemiologist, Washoe County District Health Department:
In the past 10 years Washoe County has lost an average of 68 persons to suicide each year. The highest rates are persons over age 65. In 2001 the Washoe County Health Department sponsored courses to train gatekeepers by recognizing those at risk, question them about their feelings and intentions, persuade them to get help, and refer them to appropriate resources. In Washoe County 76 percent of suicides of those under age 25 are committed with a firearm. The Centers for Disease Control released a study of all school‑associated homicides and suicides committed with a firearm in the years 1992 through 1999. In over 90 percent of the incidents, the firearm was obtained from a private home. Our strategies must include reducing access to firearms and other lethal methods of suicide. In order to make inroads on this issue, we have to develop common goals throughout the State and coordinate efforts to maximize resources.
Mark Nichols, Executive Director, National Association of Social Workers, Nevada Chapter:
I will read my prepared testimony (Exhibit F).
Janine Hansen, Lobbyist, Nevada Eagle Forum:
I would like my concern regarding the emphasis on decreasing access to guns to be on record:
Government programs should not be used to jeopardize the right to bear arms. Programs that recognize a higher being would be more effective than those proposed. The bill does not mention family involvement, and there are no provisions for parental consent. There is evidence psychotropic drugs are to blame for increasing suicides. Studies indicate a major cause of depression in teens is due to sex. Religious beliefs must be encouraged, and parental involvement should be in all the bills. I am not against the bills, but I am concerned these issues have not been addressed.
John Wagner, Concerned Citizen:
I am a school board member for Capitol Christian School in Carson City. We are not interested in teaching about suicide or death. Our emphasis is on life and academic studies. I have not heard statistics on how many people who commit suicide attend church regularly. I believe in the legal use of firearms. If a person did not have access to a gun, he or she would find another way to take their life.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
We will close the hearing on S.B. 49 and open the hearing on S.B. 36.
SENATE BILL 36: Authorizes regional training programs for the professional development of teachers and administrators to facilitate access to information concerning issues related to suicide among pupils. (BDR 34‑644)
Donald O. Williams, Chief Principal Research Analyst, Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
I served as primary staff for the Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Suicide Prevention. Senator O’Connell requested I appear on behalf of the bills on the agenda. Senate Bill 36 authorizes training programs for the professional development of teachers and administrators with access to information pertaining to suicide among pupils. As part of the study, the subcommittee reviewed the U.S. Surgeon General’s report, National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: Goals and Objectives for Action. The report identified the key gatekeepers in suicide prevention as those who regularly come in contact with individuals and families in distress: Clergy, police officers, emergency medical personnel, primary health care providers, mental health professionals and school personnel. Goal 6 in the report is to implement training for recognition of at-risk behavior and delivery of effective treatment. Although the report has identified teachers and other staff as key gatekeepers in suicide prevention, the subcommittee learned teachers and other school personnel in Nevada are not receiving training to recognize those at risk for committing suicide. The subcommittee voted to send a letter to the Legislative Committee on Education recommending it consider requesting legislation for such training. The committee discussed this matter, and voted to submit a bill draft. I would like to state the committee was looking at being able to provide teachers with information to assist pupils who come to them with suicidal problems and the importance for teachers to notify the parents.
H. Pepper Sturm, Chief Principal Research Analyst, Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
The Legislative Committee on Education received the request from the subcommittee. This bill is specific to training of teachers and administrators, and has nothing to do with classroom instruction. The committee considered a number of approaches to implement the request. We looked at various options for the Nevada Department of Education to assist school districts in providing the information to teachers and school personnel. Because the Regional Professional Development Programs (RPDP), established in statute two years ago, are the recognized Statewide providers of teacher training, it was suggested such training be facilitated and coordinated through the RPDP. The committee considered issues regarding training, including requiring the training as a condition for license renewal. Balancing the needs the committee recommended the bill before you, which requires, by statute, the RPDP facilitate and coordinate the provision of introductory training in suicide signs for teachers and administrators. The bill spells out the authority by the RPDP to provide training. The information is for educational purposes only, and the receipt of the information does not create an additional duty as a condition of employment.
Cindy Marchant, Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County, Gardnerville:
I am here to support all of the legislation before the committee today. My 13‑year-old son, Eric, took his life June 22, 1998. One of the first things my husband and I did was to try to understand what happened to our son. We found there is no suicide education before Grade 9 in the Douglas County School District. With the support of the school district, Douglas County Sheriff’s department, Douglas County Juvenile Probation, Family Support Council, Douglas County Mental Health, East Fork Fire Department, and local clergy we brought the founders of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program to Gardnerville. In February 1999, Yellow Ribbon presentations were held at three middle schools, one high school, and two evening community events. I would like to see a youth prevention program such as Yellow Ribbon brought to the middle schools and high schools with assembly style presentations every 3 years.
I want to go on record as saying I believe our young people need to have this education. It is also imperative teachers and staff receives appropriate training, and all schools adopt a protocol to help suicidal students. While our group initially focused on youth suicide, we have brought the scope of our prevention efforts to include all age groups. In 2002 we began a survivors of suicide support group.
Jody Wass, Counselor, Carson Valley Middle School:
In my work as a middle school counselor, I have learned the most helpful information for students is recognizing the warning signs of an individual who may be suicidal, knowing who to tell, and how to get help. Recently a seventh grade student told her friend she was planning to kill herself. Her friend did not do anything because she did not know who to call or what to do. The next day the student attempted suicide. I would like to see suicide prevention information at lower grade levels.
Senator Neal:
How long have you been teaching suicide prevention, and do you have any measure of success?
Ms. Wass:
I have been a counselor for 8 years. I was asked to teach suicide prevention as part of the ninth grade health curriculum. I developed the program with the help of the Crisis Call Center. There is no formal protocol to measure the success of the program, just the evaluation I have made for students to share what has been most helpful to them.
Jessica Weisser, Student:
I am a survivor of a suicide attempt, and I have been on the Yellow Ribbon panel for 4 years. As a panel member, I have been to health classes in the ninth grade, and the response has been wonderful. I would like to see suicide education for the lower grades.
Amy Courrier, Concerned Citizen:
I am the coordinator of the Columbia Teen Screen Program in Las Vegas. Some misconceptions associated with education programs reported earlier were done when there was no gatekeeper training for teachers and counselors. It is important and essential that gatekeeper training for teachers be conducted within our schools. Teen Screen did a screening at a local high school in February. Seventy percent of the students admitted they had considered suicide at one time.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
I interrupt the hearing to request committee introduction of Bill Draft Request (BDR) 34-140.
Bill Draft Request 34-140: Makes various changes concerning charter schools. (Later introduced as Senate Bill 252.)
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO INTRODUCE BDR 34-140.
SENATOR WIENER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR NOLAN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
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Sharon Appolloni, Staff Development Trainer, Washoe County School District:
I am here to represent the district and the Northwest Regional Professional Development Program. The program, comprised of Pershing and Washoe County School Districts, believes in high expectations and rigorous academic standards for all students, and provides professional development to support all educators. We do this through ongoing training and the establishment of collegial learning communities. The Northwest Regional Professional Development Program agrees that access to information should not create a duty of any person beyond that already required for employment.
Ms. Heiser:
The Crisis Call Center is in favor of S.B. 36. Teachers and counselors at schools have major concerns and misconceptions about suicide, and how to interact with students who may be suicidal. They have not received any training, and it needs to be made available.
Senator Rawson:
It is important school personnel be trained to recognize and refer students with possible suicidal tendencies. The teacher’s responsibility is to be aware of a condition, and point to a proper referral; it is not for any of us to presume teachers should assume full responsibility. I am trying to make a case for exactly what the bill is asking.
Ms. Hansen:
We heard in earlier testimony we have suicide education in schools. My concern is do we have parental knowledge and consent. A study conducted in 1990, by Columbia University Professor Dr. David Shaffer, showed students who took suicide prevention courses were no more likely to seek help for a suicidal friend than those who had not taken the course. He believes the best way to identify suicidal students is to identify and counsel with parental consent and a qualified instructor.
Lynn Chapman, Lobbyist, Nevada Families Education Foundation:
Read prepared testimony from the January 1991 edition of the Education Reporter (Exhibit G).
Ms. Courrier:
The study by Dr. Shaffer was done in the early 1980s. Since then, many programs have been found to be successful. Senate Bill 36 is associated with gatekeeper training, not education programs. Dr. Shaffer’s solution to education programs is screening for mental illness. The teen screen program is done with parental consent.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
We will close the hearing on S.B. 36 and open the hearing on Senate Concurrent Resolution (S.C.R.) 3, S.C.R. 4, and S.C.R. 5.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 3: Urges each community in Nevada to form coalition of agencies and service providers to reduce number of suicides and provide support for survivors. (BDR R-291)
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 4: Urges Clark County Health District to plan and coordinate public information campaign relating to suicide prevention and expand injury prevention efforts in Clark County. (BDR R‑290)
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 5: Urges agencies in Clark County to cooperate in establishment of plan for suicide prevention in Clark County. (BDR R-289)
Mr. Williams:
Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 came about because the Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Suicide Prevention discovered there is a lack of public awareness and seriousness of the suicide problem.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 4 was also from the subcommittee on suicide prevention. During the study the subcommittee discovered suicide prevention is a priority of the Clark County Health District. This resolution encourages expansion of those activities.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 was recommended by the subcommittee when it was recognized Clark County does not have a coordinated suicide prevention program.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
I will entertain a motion on S.B. 36, S.B. 49, S.C.R. 3, S.C.R. 4, and S.C.R. 5.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO DO PASS S.B. 36.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR NOLAN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
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SENATOR MATHEWS MOVED TO DO PASS S.B. 49.
SENATOR WIENER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR NOLAN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
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SENATOR WIENER MOVED TO ADOPT S.C.R. 3.
SENATOR RAWSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR NOLAN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
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SENATOR WIENER MOVED TO ADOPT S.C.R. 4.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR NOLAN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
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SENATOR WIENER MOVED TO ADOPT S.C.R. 5.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR NOLAN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Rawson:
I would like to say, for the record, we all understand there are differences in philosophies. Suicide is an important issue without confusing it with gun control, which is a sensitive subject. I would counsel on the use of wisdom to not confuse the issues, because people will probably suffer in the process if we do.
Vice Chairman Cegavske:
I request prepared testimony provided by Margaret McMillan (Exhibit H) and Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie (Exhibit I) be entered into the record. The meeting is adjourned at 2:28 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Cynthia Cook,
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Senator Barbara Cegavske, Vice Chairman
DATE: