- Published: Friday, July 23, 2021 04:20 PM
DANVILLE – Students will soon have access to contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line on their student identification cards under a new law sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).
“Early intervention is key to saving lives, and having lifesaving numbers conveniently listed on the back of an ID card can mean the difference between life and death for a student who is struggling,” Bennett said. “This is a simple step that will keep mental health resources close at hand for our youth.”
The legislation, an initiative of the Illinois Education Association, would require the contact information for national crisis hotlines specializing in domestic violence, sexual assault and suicide to be printed on identification badges issued to public middle and high school students in Illinois. School districts that do not issue student IDs would instead be required to publish the information on their websites.
“A 24/7 hotline can be a lifeline for children and their families,” Bennett said. “Starting next school year, students will be able to connect with a support worker immediately in a time of need.”
The legislation was signed into law Friday and takes effect today.
