Virginia Decodedhttps://vacode.org6900637.2-312.1Department to be lead agency for suicide prevention across the lifespan2025Behavioral Health and Developmental ServicesGeneral ProvisionsDepartment of Behavioral Health and Developmental ServicesThe Department and the Commissioner

A. With such funds as may be appropriated for this purpose, the Department, in consultation with community services boards and behavioral health authorities, the Department of Health, local departments of health, and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, shall have the lead responsibility for the suicide prevention across the lifespan program. The Department shall coordinate the activities of the agencies of the Commonwealth pertaining to suicide prevention in order to develop and carry out a comprehensive suicide prevention plan addressing public awareness, the promotion of health development, early identification, intervention and treatment, and support to survivors. The Department shall cooperate with federal, state, and local agencies, private and public agencies, survivor groups, and other interested persons to prevent suicide.

B. The Commissioner shall report annually by December 1 to the Governor and the General Assembly on the Department’s activities related to suicide prevention across the lifespan.

2005, cc. 336, 434, 716, § 37.1-24.001; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2018, c. 370.