March 16, 2016
A college suicide prevention bill in memory of former University of Pennsylvania student and New Jersey resident Madison Holleran has passed the New Jersey state Senate.
According to the University of Pennsylvania’s independent student newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian, the Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act requires that New Jersey colleges offer students 24/7 access to mental health professionals. The Act also includes a provision that the colleges inform students about their resources at least 15 days before each semester.
Although the bill won’t affect Penn students, the school has launched a mental health task force and 24/7 helpline, as well as other prevention initiatives.
Holleran, a Bergen County, New Jersey, native, was a freshman student and a runner on Penn’s track team when she committed suicide near campus on Jan. 17, 2014.
Read the full report at The Daily Pennsylvanian.
