Kristen Calcagni Johnson

As a pediatrician and parent, suicide prevention education is critical to saving the lives of our teens. Over the years of my practice here in NH, I have seen the falling of the sense of stigma around mental illness. My patients and my own children are more candid in talking about their mental health needs and rely on the trusted adults in their lives, but also their peers. I’ve had patients identified by their classmates who have called the school to report their concerns or reached out directly to the parent of the depressed friend. Empowering our students to know how to find resources for themselves and their peers has certainly saved lives in our state. Please do not weaken the current legislation by passing this bill.