During the 2023 legislative session, Gov. Burgum signed House Bill 1390, which created and enacted a new section to Chapter 23-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of a Suicide Fatality Review Commission.
This mandated that North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) establish the state Suicide Fatality Review Commission (Commission). The purpose of the Commission is to decrease the number of preventable suicides through systematic review of North Dakota suicide fatalities conducted by a multidisciplinary team of professionals and subject matter experts.
The reviews are used to generate data driven suicide prevention recommendations, which are shared with stakeholders and the HHS Commissioner to be incorporated into statewide suicide prevention efforts/ strategies.
The Commission shall review suicide deaths that have occurred in the state with the goals of:
- Identifying the risk factors, protective factors, systems, and services involved in each case;
- Recommending policies, protocols, and other actions to improve community, service, and system responses to individuals at risk of suicide; and
- Providing consultation and coordination for agencies involved in the prevention and investigation of suicide.
The Commission came to fruition in October 2023 with an initial meeting of the appointed members. The first Commission meeting to review cases commenced in January 2024.
Suicide Fatality Review Commission Report
As a Commission, we would like to acknowledge and dedicate this recommendation report to the North Dakota lives that have been lost to suicide, individuals having suicidal experiences, and their family, friends and communities affected. We desire to improve the lives of all who are struggling. You are not alone.