Bill would create commission to reduce suicides in rural areas

A bill to reduce suicide rates in rural communities is headed to the governor’s desk.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D – Rotterdam, co-sponsored legislation to establish the Rural Suicide Prevention Council to address and mitigate factors contributing to high suicide rates in rural areas of New York state.

In 2020, the suicide rate in rural areas of New York state was double that of urban areas – 15.2 per 100,000 people compared with 7.5 in urban areas.

“Establishing the Rural Suicide Prevention Council is an important step towards understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing mental health and suicide prevention services. This bill will help save lives by breaking down barriers to treatment and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need,” Santabarbara said in a statement.

The council will include the commissioners of the Office of Mental Health, Department of Agriculture and Markets and 12 additional appointment members – four by the governor and eight by the Legislature.  

It would submit a report to the governor and Legislature by Jan. 15.