At Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), we are disappointed by Governor Hochul’s veto of the Rural Suicide Prevention Council bill (S3587A/A7188). This bipartisan legislation, championed by Senator Pam Helming and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, received unanimous support in the Legislature—an unmistakable acknowledgment of the urgent need for solutions to the suicide crisis in rural New York.

Rural communities face extraordinary challenges and barriers that have contributed to a suicide rate in rural areas that is double that of urban regions, with the gap continuing to grow at an alarming pace. A 2023 report by NORC at the University of Chicago revealed an 83.1% increase in rural suicide rates between 2004 and 2020, compared to a 31.6% increase in urban areas.

The bill would have established a 15-member council charged with examining barriers to mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention services and providing actionable, data-driven solutions to the alarming disparities in mental health outcomes among rural New Yorkers.

While disappointed, we remain resolute about ensuring everyone has equitable access to mental health services and support. Vibrant Emotional Health will continue to engage with leaders and work to address these disparities.

For more information, please read Senator Helming’s statement on the Governor’s veto here.