Student Lifeline Act signed into law

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation Monday establishing a statewide campaign to help prevent suicide and promote mental health on college campuses.

The Student Lifeline Act was sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblywoman Sarah Clark. It requires colleges across New York to print information about the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line at 741741 on all student ID cards.

With September being Suicide Prevention Month, $5 million was earmarked to raise awareness of 988.

“One of the reasons why it was so important to focus on those college years when you are potentially away from home, away from the social supports you’re used to, is that via a national survey, we found out that the number one reason why college students are leaving their higher ed institution is due to emotional stress and mental health challenges,” Brouk said Tuesday. “So how do we give them more tools so that they have someone they can call or text? That’s why this is so important to get that 988 number on student IDs.”

The law goes into effect on July 1, 2025. Any new or replacement cards printed after that date will have information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

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