House Bill 54, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison and Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, aims to establish the Office of Suicide Prevention in Delaware. The goal of the office is to work alongside the Suicide Prevention Coalition to raise awareness about suicide as a preventable public health issue and reduce suicidal ideation and attempts through behavioral and social changes. The office will create a Suicide Prevention Plan for the state, provide guidance to stakeholders, promote best practices in suicide prevention, oversee funding applications, and seek grant funds for prevention efforts.
Currently, Delaware is the only state without an Office of Suicide Prevention, despite the alarming statistics that show a death rate of 11.4% due to suicide in the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for such an office.
The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF) and the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) support HB 54. The Office of Suicide Prevention would be established within DSAMH, with a director overseeing its duties and employees hired as needed.
If passed, the Office of Suicide Prevention will work in coordination with DSCYF to provide access to all suicide prevention resources in the state. An annual report outlining the office’s work and progress towards suicide prevention will be prepared for the General Assembly and Governor starting in October 2026.
Rep. Morrison and Sen. Mantzavinos emphasize that HB 54 will help coordinate suicide prevention efforts in Delaware, increase awareness, and save lives by addressing this critical issue. DSAMH Director Joanna Champney also expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness and saving lives of those in need.
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