Legislature(2009 - 2010)
04/10/2009 01:38 PM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB35 | |
| SB114 | |
| SB183 | |
| SB86 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE BILL NO. 35
"An Act extending the termination date of the Statewide
Suicide Prevention Council; and providing for an
effective date."
1:39:53 PM
SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS, SPONSOR, spoke in support of the bill.
TOM OBERMEYER, STAFF, SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS, SPONSOR, read
from the Sponsor Statement (Copy on File):
SB 35 extends the termination date of the Statewide
Suicide Prevention Council to June 30, 2013. Suicide is
a very serious public health concern in Alaska,
particularly among young males and the Alaska native
population. Extension of the Statewide Suicide
Prevention Council is important in curtailing this
avoidable loss of life. The mission of the Statewide
Suicide Prevention Council is to advise the governor
and the legislature on issues relating to suicide. In
collaboration with communities, faith-based
organizations, and public-private entities, the Council
works to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans by
reducing suicide and its effect in individuals and
communities.
The Executive Summary of the July, 2005 study by the
Alaska Injury Prevention Center funded by Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority "Alaska Suicide
Hospitalizations, 2001-2002," reported that in 2002
32,000 took their own lives in the United States, and
20 times that number sought treatment for self-
inflicted injuries. Alaska had the highest age-adjusted
suicide rate of all the states in 2002 at 21.12 per
100,000 population, which is nearly twice that of the
U.S. rate of 10.99 per 100,000. An average of 125
people die from suicide each year in Alaska, making it
the number one cause of death for Alaskans under the
age of 50 years (if unintentional injuries are examined
individually instead of in groups).
Hospitalizations for suicide per the above study make a
compelling case for prevention of suicide and new
insights into this dramatic public health problem. Over
$4 million in hospital costs alone is spent in public
funds each year to care for suicide attempts. This did
not include physicians' and specialists' costs. While
the toll on society and family members by suicide may
be incalculable, significant numbers were revealed:
· The average age for the patients was 30 years.
· The average length of each hospital stay was 4 days,
with a range of 1 to 366.
· The average cost per case was $8,986.
· Over 75% of the hospital costs were paid through
public funding sources.
· 15% of hospital costs had to be written off for
patients' inability to pay.
The unabated high rate of suicide in Alaska demands
continued attention and effort and earnestly urges, if
not compels, the extension of the Statewide Suicide
Prevention Council. A subsequent study to the above by
the Alaska Injury Prevention Center from 9/1/03-8/31/06
found 426 suicides in Alaska during this 36-month
period, with the continuing rate of suicide at over
21/100,000. Males outnumbered females 4 to 1. The age-
group 20-29 had both the greatest number of suicides
and the highest rate per 100,000 population. Alaska
Natives had a significantly higher average rate of
suicide than the non-Native population (51.4/100,000
compared to 16.9/100,000). The leading cause of death
was firearms with toxicology reports in 1/3 of the
cases. Alcohol was found in 44% of the toxicology tests
and marijuana was found in 15%.
1:44:01 PM
Co-Chair Stedman opened public testimony.
SAM TRIVETTE, SELF, spoke in support of the legislation. He
described personal experience with losing a son to suicide
in 2007. After his death, they heard many reports of other
suicides. Recently, seven young people took their lives in
the Juneau area. He said that young people with the highest
potential have the highest suicide rate.
Mr. Trivette told the committee that there had been no
program in the school system to educate students, teachers,
and parents about depression and suicide. The Juneau school
district recently added a component in the high school
curriculum to educate students regarding depression and
suicide. Another school district with the program has not
experienced suicides since its implementation.
Mr. Trivette reported that the curriculum was supported by
the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council, which has
implemented a number of other initiatives at various local
levels. The council is focused on getting information to
citizens that can help lower the suicide rate. He noted that
no other organization is focusing on the issue in Alaska. He
emphasized that the council has had an impact in Alaska and
urged extension of the council for another four years.
Co-Chair Stedman expressed compassion for the family.
Mr. Trivette informed the committee that his nephew had
committed suicide that week.
1:47:27 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CS SB 35(HSS) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSSB 35(HSS) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with attached fiscal notes 1 and 2 by the
Department of Health and Social Services.
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