53-21-1101. Suicide prevention officer -- duties. (1) The department of public health and human services shall implement a suicide prevention program by January 1, 2008. The program must be administered by a suicide prevention officer attached to the office of the director of the department.
     (2) The suicide prevention officer shall:
     (a) coordinate all suicide prevention activities being conducted by the department, including activities in the addictive and mental disorders division, the health resources division, and the public health and safety division, and coordinate with any suicide prevention activities that are conducted by other state agencies, including the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the department of corrections, the department of military affairs, and the university system;
     (b) develop a biennial suicide reduction plan that addresses reducing suicides by Montanans of all ages;
     (c) direct a statewide suicide prevention program with activities that include but are not limited to:
     (i) conducting statewide public awareness campaigns utilizing both paid and free media and including input from government agencies, school representatives from elementary schools through higher education, mental health advocacy groups, and other relevant nonprofit organizations;
     (ii) initiating, in partnership with Montana's tribes and tribal organizations, a public awareness program that is culturally appropriate and that utilizes the modalities best suited for Indian country;
     (iii) seeking opportunities for research that will improve understanding of suicide in Montana and provide increased suicide-related services;
     (iv) training for medical professionals, military personnel, school personnel, social service providers, and the general public on recognizing the early warning signs of suicidality, depression, and other mental illnesses; and
     (v) providing grants to communities or other government, nonprofit, or tribal entities to start new or sustain existing suicide prevention activities.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 471, L. 2007.