A bill sponsored by Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, to provide colleges and universities, including the four in St. Lawrence County, with educational materials on depression and suicide prevention has been signed into law.

“Nobody is immune to depression and for many battling the disease, suicide is becoming a path far too often traveled that leaves a wake of long-lasting, devastating effects on friends, family members and communities,” Ritchie said in a prepared statement. She represents the 48th District, which includes northern and western St. Lawrence County, plus Jefferson and Oswego counties. “By connecting people with the information and help they need—especially students who are at college and away from home for the first time—we will help save lives and let those in need know they are not alone.”

The law directs the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to develop educational materials regarding suicide prevention for educators and for OMH to work with the Department of Education to distribute the materials so educators can reach more students who might be battling depression.

The idea for the measure was brought to Ritchie’s attention by students from the Phoenix Central School District and their teacher, Carol Blackburn, her office said.

Her office said that from the year 1999 through 2014, suicide rates for both males and females—of all ages—have increased by 24 percent, with the biggest increases coming after 2006.

In addition, because suicide has such a tremendous impact on peers, faculty and staff at colleges and universities, this new law also addresses the need for a post-intervention plan in partnership with a behavioral health provider in the community to support family members, friends, professionals and peers in the wake of a loved one’s suicide, according to Ritchie's office.