HB21-1119: Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention in Colorado

Colorado communities, particularly on the Western Slope, face higher-than-average rates of suicide. To address this urgent crisis, HB21-1119 seeks to expand the Office of Suicide Prevention to include intervention and postvention efforts — strategies designed not only to prevent suicide, but also to support survivors, families, medical providers, and first responders impacted by suicide.

👉 Read the full bill text here.

Bill Sponsors and Progress

HB21-1119 is sponsored by:

• Representative Janice Rich

• Representative Lindsey Daugherty

• Senator Don Coram

• Senator Kerry Donovan

The bill has passed the Colorado House and is now moving through the State Senate.

📞 Constituents are encouraged to call Senator Ray Scott to voice support for this bill. Click here for his contact details.

Why This Bill Matters for Western Colorado

This legislation is championed by Western Slope lawmakers because suicide continues to devastate our region:

• Youth voice: Each year, West Slope Youth Vote surveys students about the most pressing issues in their lives. Suicide consistently ranks as the top concern.

• Community impact: For every life lost to suicide, 25 people survive a suicide attempt, and 115 family and friends are deeply affected. Survivors of attempts, as well as families and responders, face elevated risk themselves.

• Beyond mental health: Suicidal thinking can result from common medical conditions, not only mental health struggles. In fact, only 46% of suicides are linked to mental health diagnoses.

HB21-1119 takes a comprehensive approach:

• Supporting attempt survivors, loss survivors, first responders, and medical providers.

• Ensuring postvention strategies are in place to reduce risk for those already affected.

• Bringing diverse voices into the statewide conversation about suicide prevention.

Student Leadership and Testimony

Former West Slope Youth Vote intern and current NYU student Liliana Flanigan gave moving testimony in committee, underscoring why youth must be part of the dialogue on suicide prevention.

The West Slope Youth Vote interns also publish an annual issues report, grading legislators on their responsiveness to youth priorities. Explore the 2019 report and 2020 report to see their powerful work.

Coalition Support

Numerous groups are supporting HB21-1119 with registered lobbyists. See the full list here.

Mesa County Democrats’ Position

We strongly support HB21-1119 as a critical step toward reducing suicide in Colorado. By expanding prevention efforts to include intervention and postvention, this bill acknowledges the reality faced by Western Colorado communities and prioritizes saving lives.