Seth Walsh, a 13-year-old from Tehachapi, California, died on September 28th after he hung himself nine days before because of years of bullying he endured for being perceived as being gay, according to his peers. This is the sixth teen suicide we’ve seen in the past month that is closely linked to anti-gay bullying and harassment.
We have to prevent future tragedies by strengthening our efforts in schools to address bullying no matter what the reason.
Governor Schwarzenegger can also do his part to help prevent future tragedies by signing a bill this week that would enable countless at-risk youth to access mental healthcare services and to receive the support and care they need to thrive.
The Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth Act (SB 543) would expand access to essential mental health services, especially prevention and early intervention programs, for youth ages 12-17 by allowing them to obtain counseling without parental consent. The bill is currently on the governor’s desk. SB 543 was introduced by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and is co-sponsored by Equality California, the National Association of Social Workers California Chapter, Mental Health America of Northern California, and the GSA network.
We call on Governor Schwarzenegger to sign the Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth Act (SB 543). This law would give youth, like Seth Walsh, access to life-saving mental health services before it’s too late.
The Governor can be reached by phone at 916-445-2841. Tell him you want him to sign SB 543, the Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth Act.
