53-21-1101. Suicide prevention officer -- duties. (1) The department of public health and human services shall implement a suicide prevention program 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, ethnic groups, and occupations;

(c) direct a statewide suicide prevention program with evidence-based activities that include but are not limited to:

(i) conducting statewide public awareness campaigns aimed at normalizing the need for all Montanans to address mental health problems and utilizing both paid and free media, including digital and social media, and including input from government agencies, school representatives from elementary schools through higher education, mental health advocacy groups, veteran 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 entities, including but not limited to tribes, tribal and urban health organizations, local governments, schools, health care providers, professional associations, and other nonprofit and community organizations, for development or expansion of evidence-based suicide prevention programs in accordance with the requirements of 53-21-1111.