Suicide mortality review team approved

Senators passed a measure April 25 that creates a team to gather and analyze data on deaths by suicide in Nebraska.

Under LB414, introduced by Lincoln Sen. George Dungan, the review team will be housed within the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Members will include representatives from the Nebraska Violent Death Reporting System, Nebraska Local Outreach to Suicide Loss Survivors and the state Department of Health and Human Services. The team also will include a veteran and appointed members from the fields of education, health care, law enforcement, mental health and social work.

The team is required to:
• develop a suicide mortalities data collection system;
• develop protocols for suicide investigations;
• conduct an annual analysis of the incidences and causes of suicide in Nebraska;
• educate the public regarding suicide and the public’s role in prevention; and
• study the adequacy of training and services to determine what can be done to decrease suicides.

Lawmakers passed LB414 on a 46-0 vote.