This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Mental health counselors and social workers would have to get two hours of training on suicide prevention every year under a bill moving though the Legislature.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday recommended HB209, sponsored by Rep. Justin Fawson, R-North Ogden. The House already passed the bill and now it goes to the full Senate.

Kim Myers, the state's suicide-prevention coordinator, said suicide is the sixth leading cause of death in Utah and top cause of death for those from age 10 through 17. Those numbers, however, don't tell the full story, she said.

"Many more people attempt suicide and seriously consider suicide," said Myers.

A survey of professionals indicated the majority have had no training and do not feel prepared to treat those who contemplate suicide, she said.

­— Kristen Moulton