Hackett Co-Sponsoring Suicide-Prevention Legislation

Photo courtesy of Rep. Joe Hackett’s office

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Rep. Joe Hackett (R-161st) has announced that he is co-sponsoring a suicide-prevention act.

The legislation, House Bill 2461, requires psychologists and therapists to receive continued training to identify the warning signs of suicide, Hackett’s office said.

“We need to do more to help those who are at risk of suicide,” Hackett said. “This bill is just another tool to assist our mental health professionals in saving lives and keeping our community safe.”

HB 2461 is known as the Matt Adler Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Act. “Matt Adler was a Seattle attorney who took his life after seeking therapy for depression. His family has committed itself to a nationwide campaign to making sure therapists understand the warning signs of suicide,” said representatives from the office of Rep. Warren Kampf (R-157th).

Adler’s parents, Gary and Phyllis Adler, live in Delaware County.

“Although this bill will never bring back our loved ones, it has the potential to save hundreds, possibly thousands, of lives,” Hackett said. “If this bill saved even one life, and prevented the hardships families are faced with as a result of suicide, it would be a success.”