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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 17, 2023 02:42 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kristin Marcell and Rep. Kathleen C. Tomlinson |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Requiring State Parks and Forests to Post Suicide Awareness Information |
| Our state parks and forests are wonderful and beautiful resources which are enjoyed by Pennsylvania residents for many different purposes. Unfortunately, these parks are occasionally visited by people who are in mental distress and have used them to end their own lives. There have been a few suicides/attempted suicides in local parks in Bucks County, including 21-year-old Lindsey Piccone, who ended her life in Tyler State Park in 2016. We have come a long way in developing resources to assist those who are contemplating suicide. In particular, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been rolled out nationwide as an easy to remember and easy to dial hotline that connects individuals thinking about suicide, or who need emotional support, with a skilled, trained crisis worker. This service is available 24/7 and is free to call. Our legislation would require the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prominently post information about this crisis line and suicide awareness in all state parks and forests throughout the Commonwealth. If there is even a small chance that this action will result in any person choosing not to end his or her life, it is clearly a step worth taking. Please join us in cosponsoring this vital and potentially lifesaving legislation. |
Introduced as HB1705