§ 20-77-1608 - Advisory council -- Mission.

20-77-1608. Advisory council -- Mission.

The Advisory Council to the Arkansas Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force shall:

(1) Serve as a liaison between the Arkansas Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force and the scientific and treatment community to ensure that task force activities are firmly based in effective and safe suicide prevention activities;

(2) Research and make recommendations to the task force, the House Interim Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, the Senate Interim Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, and the General Assembly regarding successful youth suicide prevention programs used in other states;

(3) Develop a plan for a model youth suicide prevention program that can be implemented throughout the state with site-specific recommendations and recommend a timeline for the implementation of the model program;

(4) (A) If funds are appropriated for the purpose, host a conference with national experts in the field of youth suicide prevention.

(B) The Department of Psychiatry of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shall coordinate the conference in conjunction with the task force.

(C) Invitees to the conference shall include students in grades seven through twelve (7-12), college students, teachers, professors, staff, and administrators of public schools, private schools, and institutions of higher education, mental health professionals, legislators, and other interested persons;

(5) Monitor and disburse appropriations for the task force, the advisory council, and related activities;

(6) Apply for, receive, and disburse grants related to youth suicide prevention and research as the advisory council deems appropriate; and

(7) Participate in the quarterly meetings of the task force.