The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) applauds the Tennessee General Assembly approving the legislation of the passing of The Suicide Prevention Act of 2018, sponsored by Senate Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) and House State Government Committee Chairman Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville), calls for the team to gather suicide data identifying causes and factors in order to direct limited prevention resources in the most effective way possible.

"The Suicide Prevention Act of 2018" authorizes the Commissioner of Health to create the Tennessee suicide prevention program. This team appointed by the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health will address the growing number of adult suicides in Tennessee. TSPN is proud to have played a part in the adoption of this bill and is indebted to the support of Senator Crowe, Representative Ramsey, and the General Assembly for taking the first steps for adopting this legislation. Scott Ridgway, TSPN Executive Director, states that "the support of Senator Crowe and Representative Ramsey was crucial to the advancement of this bill. Because of his assistance and efforts with this bill, Tennessee continues to be at the National forefront in suicide prevention and advancements towards this cause."