SC bill would require suicide prevention training

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A House panel has advanced a bill requiring middle and high school teachers in South Carolina to get suicide prevention training.

A House education subcommittee unanimously approved the measure Wednesday requiring two hours of training that would count toward the 120 hours of training that teachers must acquire every five years.

Six states already have passed the law. They are named after Jason Flatt of Tennessee, who killed himself in 1997 at age 16. The Jason Foundation works to spread awareness about teen suicide and to promote teacher training.

Foundation specialist Donna Finley says teachers are in a unique position to prevent youth suicides. Finley says it’s not about making teachers counselors, but making them aware of the warning signs and where to go for help.