MN Mental Health Legislative Network Blue Book
Read our 2024 Legislative Priorities
Advocacy for Suicide Prevention
SAVE engages in advocacy to drive social change, raise awareness, fulfill our mission, and serve as a voice for those impacted by suicide at state and national levels.
Policy priorities
SAVE is committed to creating positive change in our communities through strategic advocacy efforts. Through collaboration, education and action, we work tirelessly to address pressing social issues and advocate for policies that promote equality, well-being, and safety for all.
Social media impact on youth mental health and suicide
In an increasingly digital world, the impact of social media on mental health cannot be understated. We advocate for policies that promote responsible social media usage and provide support for people struggling with mental health issues. Our initiatives include:
- Regulation and oversight: We push for regulatory measures to ensure that social media platforms prioritize user well-being and implement safeguards against harmful content.
- Education and awareness: We campaign to raise awareness about the link between social media usage and mental health, and provide support for those affected.
Federal legislation
S.1409 – Kids Online Safety Act; H.R. 7891- Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0)
Overview: This bill sets out requirements to protect minors from online harms. The requirements apply to covered platforms, which are applications or services (e.g., social networks) that connect to the internet and are likely to be used by minors. However, the bill exempts internet service providers, email services, educational institutions, and other specified entities from the requirements. Covered platforms must take reasonable measures in the design and operation of products or services used by minors to prevent and mitigate certain harms that may arise from that use (e.g., sexual exploitation and online bullying). Additionally, covered platforms must provide (1) minors with certain safeguards, such as settings that restrict access to minors’ personal data; and (2) parents or guardians with tools to supervise minors’ use of a platform, such as control of privacy and account settings.
Covered platforms must also:
- Disclose specified information, including details regarding the use of personalized recommendation systems and individual-specific advertising to minors
- Allow parents, guardians, minors, and schools to report certain harms
- Refrain from facilitating advertising of age-restricted products or services (e.g., tobacco and gambling) to minors
- Annually report on foreseeable risks of harm to minors from using the platform
Minnesota legislation
HF 2257, SF 2810
Overview: The Minnesota Kids Code was introduced in the 2023 legislative session and passed the Minnesota State House of Representatives in the Commerce Budget Bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Kids Code would require privacy by design and default, and it would require online products and services reasonably likely to be accessed by children and teens under 18 to be age-appropriate and designed in kids’ best interests. While Big Tech attempts to fight the AADC with infinite resources and lawsuits, legislators and civil society organizations are continuing to prioritize kids’ safety and well-being online.
Access to health care and mental health treatment
Access to quality healthcare and treatment is a fundamental right. Yet, millions of individuals face barriers to accessing the care they need. We advocate for policies that expand access to healthcare and remove obstacles to treatment. Our efforts include:
- Healthcare equity: We support policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geography.
- Mental health parity: We advocate for laws that ensure mental health services are covered by insurance providers on par with physical health services.
- Community health initiatives: We collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to increase access to preventative care and mental health services in underserved communities.
Minnesota legislation
SAVE is a part of the Minnesota Mental Health Legislative Network. Read the 2024 legislative issues and priorities in the document below.
Lethal means safety
Reducing access to lethal means of self-harm is a critical component of suicide prevention efforts. We advocate for policies and initiatives that promote lethal means safety and save lives. Our work includes:
- Kayla’s HOPE: Kayla’s HOPE was founded by MJ Weiss Blair, her sister Gina Morgan and SAVE after MJ’s daughter Kayla Gaebel died by suicide in November 2023. The effort collaborates with public and private partners to strategize, fund and install physical suicide deterrents in high-risk locations. Structural barriers can significantly decrease suicide deaths at a site as they interrupt plans to attempt suicide and allow more time for emergency responders to intervene.
- Safe storage and disposal: We support legislation requiring safe storage and disposal of firearms, medications, and other lethal means to prevent impulsive acts of self-harm.
- Training and education: We provide training and resources to healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community members on identifying warning signs and implementing lethal means safety measures.
- Policy reform: We work with legislators to enact common-sense gun safety laws and policies that protect people at risk of suicide.
Connect to SAVE lives
We believe in the power of connection to create positive change. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about our mission, we invite you to get in touch.