Sen. Hastings honors life of Ann Marie Blaha during suicide prevention week

TINLEY PARK – With September 6-12 being national suicide prevention week, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) reflected on his memory of his neighbors who lost their daughter to a suicide.

“Ann Marie Blaha was a shining light in our community. She was a nice, 11 year old girl with a great family involved in our community,” Hastings said. “Unfortunately she committed suicide and as a result her great parents have made it their mission to prevent other parents from having to go through this.”

Senator Hastings sponsored legislation focused on youth suicide awareness and prevention this year, and it was signed into law by the governor in late August. The measure requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to develop a model suicide awareness and prevention policy, which would help guide the policy of Illinois school districts.

The law is intended to raise universal awareness for youth suicide and to prevent these unfortunate events from happening again.

Senate Bill 1793 also directs ISBE to provide information and professional development material to schools across Illinois. This will help educators recognize and respond to students displaying suicidal tendencies.

“Our daughter meant the world to our family. We would do anything to bring her back,” said Ann Marie’s parents Mike and Sue Blaha. “We would do anything to prevent this from happening to another parent.”

The measure passed unanimously through the Illinois House and Senate, and took effect immediately upon being signed.