Public Policy

Our Public Policy

Public Policy Statement – Idaho Suicide Prevention Coalition

The Idaho Suicide Prevention Coalition (ISPC) is committed to advancing evidence-based, community-informed policies that reduce suicide risk across all populations in Idaho. We advocate for legislation that promotes prevention, early intervention, and postvention strategies, while strengthening Idaho’s behavioral health infrastructure and workforce.

We support policies that:

  • Ensure universal suicide prevention training for educators, healthcare providers, and first responders.
  • Expand access to crisis services, including 988 and mobile response teams.
  • Promote upstream prevention through school-based mental health supports and community gatekeeper programs.
  • Protect and empower rural, tribal, and underserved communities through culturally responsive initiatives.

Legislative Milestones

  • Jason Flatt Act (Idaho) 2018: Passed with bipartisan support, this law requires suicide prevention training for public school personnel. It empowers districts to adopt evidence-based gatekeeper programs at no cost to the general fund.
  • Executive Order 2023-04: Governor Brad Little formally established the Idaho Suicide Prevention Action Collective (ISPAC) to develop, monitor and implement the statewide Suicide Prevention 5 Year Plan. This public-private partnership coordinates efforts across agencies and reports annually to the legislature.
  • Idaho Suicide Prevention Plan (2019-2024): ISPC was tasked by JFAC through intent language to secure a facilitator to develop the next 5 year suicide prevention plan.  Over 75 statewide stakeholders came together, developed and presented the plan back to the Idaho legislature in 2019. Through this process Idaho was one of the first states to crosswalk the plan against the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. 
  • Idaho Suicide Prevention Plan (2024–2028): Developed by ISPAC, this plan outlines nine goals and 42 objectives spanning prevention, intervention, and postvention. It reflects input from diverse stakeholders including veterans, educators, tribal leaders, and behavioral health experts.
  • S. 1101: County Coroners & Death Investigations 2025. Revises the responsibilities and procedures for county coroners in Idaho, including (1) investigation criteria and the circumstances under which a county coroner must investigate a death, (2) standards for collaboration with law enforcement, (3) autopsy protocols, and (4) updates to continuing education requirements for coroners, specifying that courses must be sponsored or approved by a nationally recognized certifying body.

ISPC remains steadfast in its mission to elevate hope, connection, and recovery through policy leadership. We invite collaboration with legislators, agencies, and communities to build a suicide-safe Idaho.