Committee Passes Sullivan’s Bill to Prevent Suicide In Rural Colorado

Legislation would create a suicide prevention program for agricultural and rural communities

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance Senator Tom Sullivan’s, D-Centennial, bill focused on suicide prevention in rural and agricultural communities in Colorado.

SB24-057 would establish the Agricultural Workforce Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program. The bill would create a free, confidential crisis hotline specific to the needs of agricultural workers, and promote suicide awareness and prevention within rural communities. 

“Suicide is a serious concern in rural Colorado, where the suicide rate for farmers, ranchers, and other ag workers continues to rise,” said Sullivan. “When people reach out for help, they need to know that the person on the other end of the phone understands the unique challenges they’re dealing with - from the isolation that can come with living in rural areas to how the weather impacts their crops. This bill helps rural Coloradans have crisis support options that are relevant to them.”

Rural and agricultural communities in Colorado are often underserved in terms of behavioral health resources. Between 2017 and 2022, rural communities experienced the highest rates of suicide in Colorado, with individuals employed in construction, mining, gas, and agriculture experiencing rates higher than average. 

SB24-057 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill's progress HERE.