This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Student Lifeline Act amending the New York Education Law to require that degree-granting higher education institutions educate students, faculty and staff about New York’s 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. According to the new law, New York higher education institutions must (1) share with students, faculty and staff resources that describe when to dial or text the 9-8-8 Lifeline if they or someone they know are in crisis; and (2) print information about the 9-8-8 Lifeline and mental health and substance abuse services on student ID cards. If an institution does not distribute ID cards to students, information about the 9-8-8 Lifeline must be shared annually in another format.
These requirements go into effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to student ID cards that are “issued, modified, altered or amended on or after such date.” (Emphasis added.)
The purpose of this legislation is to help prevent suicide and promote mental health by making critical, confidential services both widely accessible and free. The Governor’s Office and the State’s Office of Mental Health will begin a wide-reaching, multi-platform “We Hear You” campaign to raise awareness of the 9-8-8 Lifeline, which is not only free and confidential, but accessible 24/7.
Though these requirements do not go into effect until July 1, 2025, which appears timed to the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, New York higher education institutions should be aware of them now to best plan accordingly.
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