Emma Davis

My name is Emma Davis, and I am a New Hampshire resident. I am writing to respectfully oppose HB 1635, which would roll back existing requirements for suicide awareness and prevention training for public school staff. My high school graduating class aline lost 4 young adults to suicide, in 2016, before prevention training was implemented. I am very passionate about educating our staff on methods to strengthen our younger generations with continuous support through their mental health journey. In a world where mental health is declining rapidly, it is CRUCIAL we keep suicide prevention training in place. Schools are one of the primary places where warning signs are first noticed, and teachers, counselors, and school staff are often the adults who spend the most consistent time with students outside the home. Reducing required training hours or extending timelines for this education weakens our ability to identify and respond to students who are struggling. Suicide prevention training is not a one-time task. Best practices evolve, warning signs can be subtle, and staff turnover is constant. Ongoing, consistent training ensures that educators remain informed, confident, and prepared to intervene when it matters most. Rolling back these requirements sends the wrong message about the value we place on student mental health and safety. Rather than reducing requirements, New Hampshire should be strengthening them. More training — not less — equips educators with the tools to recognize risk factors, respond appropriately, and connect students to help before a crisis turns into a tragedy. Every loss of a young person is preventable, and every opportunity to intervene matters. I urge the committee to reject HB 1635 and protect — and expand — suicide prevention education for school personnel. Our students’ lives depend on it. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Emma Davis Pembroke, NH