44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH; DEVELOPING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY; CREATING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM.--The department of health shall develop a youth suicide prevention strategy, including model suicide prevention programs to be implemented in the public schools, public post-secondary educational institutions and programs serving out-of-school youth. Development of such programs shall include a statewide, ongoing, twenty-four hour per day toll-free hotline for crisis intervention, suicide prevention education and ensuring appropriate emergency assistance response to the person in need.

Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--Two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the youth suicide prevention program. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund.