Legislature(2001 - 2002)
05/06/2001 11:34 AM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 198(HES) "An Act establishing the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council; and providing for an effective date." SENATOR HALFORD, SPONSOR, testified in support of the legislation. He explained that the resolution is an effort to increase awareness, coordination and efforts in suicide prevention. Suicide is the most unreported cause of the loss of life and is in epidemic proportions in rural Alaska and the Matsu Valley. He observed that the last coordinated effort was in 1988. Vice-Chair Bunde acknowledged the problem and questioned what would be done to "turn the corner" on the challenge. Senator Halford observed that there are serial suicides in rural areas. He noted that those that don't feel like they have options are lost. One of the problems is that the things that are done to make people feel better may elevate the individual so that someone else that feels lost may think that suicide may be the answer. He stressed the need for the collective will and wisdom of many people to address the problem. He emphasized that the solutions have to be home grown and that it will take a lot of listening. Representative Hudson spoke in support of the legislation. Representative Croft felt that the composition of the board provides a broad spectrum of requirements for different segments of the society outside of government. He noted that the Council would include young people, clergy, rural persons, and those that have experienced the death of a member of their family. Senator Halford noted that the Administration assisted` in the formation of the Council. Representative Foster MOVED to report CSSB 198 (HES) out of Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. CSSB 198 (HES) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a previously published fiscal note (#2 - HSS).
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