Sandy Hook Promise Applauds Signage of SAVE Students Act by Ohio Governor Michael DeWine
Newtown — Today, Ohio set the national standard for protecting youth by being the first legislature in the country to sign the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act into law. This is a crucial step forward for Ohio in addressing the youth suicide rate that has increased by 48% over the last decade, as recently reported by the Centers for Disease Control.
The SAVE Students Act (House Bill 123), signed by Governor DeWine, ensures that all middle and high school students will be trained to know the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, when to speak up, and how to get help.
“By passing this landmark legislation, Ohio is leading the way toward protecting our kids and creating safer schools,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “We are grateful to Rep. Gayle Manning, who was crucial to passing this life-saving legislation, and Governor DeWine for his support.”
The SAVE Students Act requires that all middle and high school students in Ohio have access to evidence-based programs for schools that teach how to recognize social isolation, identify the signs of potential violence and suicide, and when and how to intervene and get help. This programming can be delivered either digitally or through in-person training at no cost to the schools.
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About the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund
Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The SHP Action Fund champions a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
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