New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R) signed the Native American Suicide Prevention Act into law on Thursday. Martinez signed the law at a ceremony on the Navajo Nation. She said SB 417, which doesn't come with funding, will help the state coordinate and develop culturally appropriate programs to prevent suicide on reservations. “Suicide prevention requires the attention of our entire community. Parents, families, coaches, grandparents, friends and public officials hold a shared responsibility to encourage New Mexico young people and never let the opportunity pass to simply tell them ‘you matter,’” Martinez said at the ceremony, according to a press release. “Sadly, Native American youth suffer from a disproportionately high suicide rate, and this is a problem that must not go unaddressed. I am confident that this bill will increase and improve collaboration, data collection, and resource-acquisition efforts so that we can better support Native American young people and stop the scourge of suicide.” A remote Navajo community in New Mexico recently suffered a rash of youth suicide. Get the Story:
Martinez signs suicide prevention bill (The Farmington Daily Times 4/1)
