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Suicide Prevention Day at Utah Capitol

Posted at 5:43 PM, Feb 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-13 19:43:27-05

SALT LAKE CITY — The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention took to Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City for its 4th annual event aimed at convincing state lawmakers to support programs meant to prevent suicide.

Among the bills they’re supporting, Rep. Brian King’s HB 279 would expand state employee disability benefits to include people with mental health impairment.

Taryn Hiatt, area director for AFSP praised the measure.

“We know that mental health conditions aren't treated the same way physical conditions are as it relates to insurance coverage,” Hiatt said.

Rep. Steve Eliason’s HB 32 would expand a grant program creating mobile crisis teams in rural Utah.

Rep Stephen Handy’s HB 229 would make Extreme Risk Protection Orders an option for courts if family members or police report someone is threatening harm to themselves or others.