AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed LD 609, “An Act To Increase Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Maine Public Schools,” sponsored by Representative Paul Gilbert (D-Jay), on Thursday.
This bill requires the Maine Department of Education to adopt rules on standards for schools and school administrative units for suicide prevention education and training. The training and education will include suicide prevention awareness education for all personnel and more advanced suicide prevention and intervention training for at least two persons per school district.
“The devastating effect suicide has on Maine families and communities is real, and we must be willing to address the issue,” said Gov. LePage.