In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has taken significant steps to support the mental health of young people statewide by signing the Student Lifeline Act into law and launching a $5 million multimedia campaign to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline).

The Student Lifeline Act

The Student Lifeline Act (S1865B/A6563A), sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblymember Sarah Clark, is a new law that requires all college student ID cards in New York State to include information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by 2025. This simple yet impactful change ensures that every student will have access to critical mental health resources right in their hands, providing immediate support during moments of crisis.

For institutions that do not issue student IDs, the law mandates that information about 988 be shared through other materials annually, ensuring no student is left without access to this lifesaving resource.

Raising Awareness Through a $5 Million Campaign

In addition to signing the Student Lifeline Act, Governor Hochul also announced a statewide effort to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A $5 million multimedia campaign will be launched to boost awareness of the 988 Lifeline through social media, college campuses, TV, radio, and streaming platforms.

The campaign will focus on reaching communities that traditionally have lower awareness of 988, including first responders, healthcare workers, youth, college students, and Black, Latine, and LGBTQ+ populations. 

For more information, you can read the official announcement from Governor Hochul's office.