Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use

Summary

Proposed Int. No. 291-A amends Chapter 1 of Title 17 of the New York City Administrative Code, requiring the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to annually report on deaths by suicide and biennially report on youth suicide-related behavior. This legislation, sponsored by Council Members Louis, Lee, and Avilés, takes effect immediately.

Key Provisions:

• Annual Suicide Death Report: Within six months of enactment and annually thereafter, DOHMH must publish a report on suicides, disaggregated by age group, occupational category, race and ethnicity, borough of residence, sex, veteran status, and method of suicide.
• Biennial Youth Suicide-Related Behavior Report: Within six months of enactment and every two years thereafter, DOHMH must publish a report on youth suicide-related behaviors, including information on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), to the extent data is available.
• Definitions: The law explicitly defines "Gender identity," "Sex," and "Sexual orientation" for clarity in reporting.
• Transparency & Privacy: Both reports must describe any data limitations and comply with all privacy laws, avoiding interference with law enforcement.

This law addresses the rising suicide rates in NYC, which reached 6.8 deaths per 100,000 people (602 deaths) in 2022, and the lack of consistent, comprehensive data, particularly for vulnerable populations like LGBTQ+ youth and veterans. The City Council Finance Division estimates no fiscal impact, as DOHMH will utilize existing resources.

Citizen Impact

This law ensures more transparent and consistent reporting on suicide deaths and youth suicide-related behaviors in New York City. Residents will benefit from better-informed public health policies and more targeted prevention efforts, especially for veterans and LGBTQ+ youth, as data will be disaggregated to identify communities most at risk.

Confidence

high