Goals
- Funding for Suicide Prevention Education and Intervention Programs and Activities
- Advocacy for solutions to mental health issues and suicide in our communities.
- Improved quality, focus and attention on legislation and regulations relative to Suicide Prevention and mental health services including limited access to lethal means, increased access, health insurance parity and increasing number of qualified mental health providers
Vision
Effective coalition-building and communication with state and federal legislators will empower all levels of government to improve mental health services and decrease suicide rates in the North Central Massachusetts and North Quabbin Areas.
Purpose
Constituency Development
The Suicide Prevention Task Force recognizes that while elected officials are elected to ensure the needs of the community as a whole are addressed, the important messages of the impact of improved mental services on suicide rates may be limited.
The Suicide Prevention Task Force is committed to engaging other constituencies impacted by the issues of suicide and mental health within our community and to help them find their voice for advocacy with our local, state, and federal elected officials. The Committee encourages active interaction with its local, state, and federal elected officials to raise awareness of the current issues, obstacles, and opportunities evolving around the areas of suicide prevention and intervention and mental health.
Public Education and Awareness
In order for constituent members to have an effective role in advocacy they need to be able to understand legislation and the process by which bills become law and regulations are effectuated.
Elected officials have unique access to large groups, community organizations and agencies interested and involved in the process of Suicide Prevention and Intervention and mental health services. Through their direct involvement and participation in the process to support and enhance services meant to reduce suicide rates and improve mental health services, members of our community Legislators can bring a more targeted awareness of these issues in our communities. They will also help members understand the impact and the costs associated with any proposed legislation or regulation, and more specifically, the tragic toll suicides are having on our communities.
The Suicide Prevention Task Force encourages active interaction with its local, state, and federal elected officials to raise awareness of the current issues, obstacles, and opportunities evolving around the areas of suicide prevention and intervention and mental health.
Legislation
The Suicide Prevention Task Force looks to the Legislators for guidance on specific legislation being considered. Additionally the Task Force directs and develops a legislative strategy for the benefit of the Suicide Prevention.
Members
Representatives are from our local and regional areas.