Youth suicide is an urgent public health issue. A new Public Health Reports research article examines how gatekeeper training aims to prevent suicide by preparing people to identify warning signs and make referrals to appropriate services. Many states have enacted gatekeeper training laws (GTLs) to train school staff in suicide prevention. The growing proliferation of laws on suicide prevention training for school staff warrants an evaluation of the effectiveness of the laws.

The author’s policy surveillance data may be used to better understand the role of these laws in a school-based approach to youth suicide prevention.