Jun. 10, 2015
HARRISBURG – Today the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passed
House Bill 64, also known as the Matt Adler Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Act. This legislation seeks to ensure health care professionals receive training in identifying those at risk for suicide. Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Springfield) sponsored this legislation after meeting with local residents Gary and Phyllis Adler. The Adlers lost their son, Matt, in 2011 to suicide and want to make sure that other families don’t have to go through the pain that they endured.
“I am glad that my colleagues have expressed such strong support for helping give our health care professionals the tools necessary to help combat this all-too-frequent tragedy. If this legislation can help save just one life, then it is worth it,” said Adolph.
The Matt Adler Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Act, House Bill 64, will require State Board of Psychology licensees and State Board of Social Workers Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors licensees to complete at least one hour of their already existing continuing education requirements in the assessment, treatment and management of suicide risks.
“It has been very humbling to work with the Adler family and many other advocates who work each and every day to prevent suicide. I hope this effort will be one more step in the journey to make sure no more families have to endure the pain and heartache that comes from suicide,” concluded Adolph.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Suicide Statistics in Pennsylvania:
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall in Pennsylvania.
• One person dies by suicide every 5.5 hours in the Commonwealth.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 35.
• Twice as many people die from suicide in Pennsylvania annually each year as compared to homicide.
Representative William Adolph
165th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Michael Stoll
717.787.1711
mstoll@pahousegop.com
WilliamAdolph.com / Facebook.com/RepAdolph