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Student urged committee to expand suicide-prevention and mental health resources in schools
Summary
A South Burlington student testified that schools need more in-school suicide-prevention and mental-health resources, citing the Vermont Department of Mental Health strategic plan and calling for practical, low-cost measures alongside investment in services.
Griffin Carrier, a senior at South Burlington High School, told a legislative committee at the State House that suicide-prevention and mental-health resources in Vermont schools are insufficient and urged stronger in-school supports.
Carrier cited a July 2024 strategic plan from the Vermont Department of Mental Health and said that, despite statewide planning, schools are not consistently providing the in-school resources students need. He said students seeking help are sometimes told to contact outside organizations rather than being offered direct support at school.
“Educational institutions need in school resources for suicide prevention and mental health,” Carrier said. He added that expanding such resources would “help save a student's life while improving their mental health.” He also quoted Major David Reynolds, identified in his testimony as chief of clinical health psychology at a regional medical center, to describe how many people who die by suicide have suffered a mental health disorder.
When a committee member asked for one low-cost thing that has helped, Carrier recommended that students take time for themselves when needed and noted that simple acts of kindness and listening can matter. He said such measures do not replace professional care but can complement it.
The transcript of the session includes no formal committee votes or motions on the topic in the provided excerpts.
