(1) The Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention is created within the Department of Children and Families.
(2) The statewide office shall, within available resources:(a) Develop a network of community-based programs to improve suicide prevention initiatives. The network shall identify and work to eliminate barriers to providing suicide prevention services to individuals who are at risk of suicide. The network shall consist of stakeholders advocating suicide prevention, including, but not limited to, not-for-profit suicide prevention organizations, faith-based suicide prevention organizations, law enforcement agencies, first responders to emergency calls, veterans, servicemembers, suicide prevention community coalitions, schools and universities, mental health agencies, substance abuse treatment agencies, health care providers, and school personnel.
(b) Prepare and implement the statewide plan with the advice of the Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council.
(c) Increase public awareness concerning topics relating to suicide prevention.
(d) Coordinate education and training curricula in suicide prevention efforts for law enforcement personnel, first responders to emergency calls, veterans, servicemembers, health care providers, school employees, and other persons who may have contact with persons at risk of suicide.
(e) Act as a clearinghouse for information and resources related to suicide prevention by:1. Disseminating and sharing evidence-based best practices relating to suicide prevention.
2. Collecting and analyzing data on trends in suicide and suicide attempts annually by county, age, gender, profession, and other demographics as designated by the statewide office.
(f) Advise the Department of Transportation on the implementation of evidence-based suicide deterrents in the design elements and features of infrastructure projects throughout the state.
(3) The Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention may seek and accept grants or funds from any federal, state, or local source to support the operation and defray the authorized expenses of the office and the Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council. Revenues from grants shall be deposited in the Grants and Donations Trust Fund within the Department of Children and Families. In accordance with s. 216.181(11), the Executive Office of the Governor may request changes to the approved operating budget to allow the expenditure of any additional grant funds collected pursuant to this subsection. (4) Agencies under the control of the Governor or the Governor and Cabinet are directed, and all others are encouraged, to provide information and support to the Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention as requested.
