DOVER — DJ’s Alliance is proud to announce that Governor Matt Meyer signed House Bill 54, DJ’s Act, into law today, marking a historic step forward for suicide prevention and postvention efforts in Delaware.

Championed by Rep. Eric Morrison and Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, the bill established the office of suicide prevention, allowing for the statewide coordination of both suicide prevention and postvention efforts.

The signing builds upon Delaware’s growing commitment to suicide prevention with leaders with lived experience at the helm, like those at DJ’s Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting suicide loss survivors in the First State. With suicide remaining a leading cause of death nationwide, HB 54 represents a proactive approach to healing and prevention.

“Delaware was once the only state in the country that didn’t have an office or government position dedicated to suicide prevention. That changes today,” DJ’s Alliance Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Antonik said. “This Office is about hope. Hope for the future and hope in growing a stigma-free community.  It’s a love song to those we love and support, to those we love and have lost and to our own healing journeys.”

HB 54 was affectionally dubbed DJ’s Act in honor of the children of Ben Antonik who died by suicide on Sept. 1, 2021. The founder of DJ’s Alliance said suicide loss survivors like her and her children are 65% more likely to attempt suicide themselves compared to peers grieving a similar kind of loss – and it keeps her pushing for more advocacy around the  issue.

“It’s a statistic that makes my momma bear heart angry. . . And the question is – what is Delaware doing to create a safer, healthier community for them to grow up in,” she said during the signing. “Today, we can say – a lot. We are watching a new story of hope unfold and I’m very grateful to know that, with the help of everyone in this diverse room of beautiful changemakers, survivors and professionals, and in Ben’s memory, Delaware will become that safer and healthier place for my children, Ben’s children, as they grow.”

DJ’s Alliance Board President Kasey Gonzalez-Cruz added, “Today marks a powerful and hopeful moment for Delawareans. This new office will bring together resources, expertise, and compassion to help communities heal, prevent tragedy and ensure no one feels alone in their darkest moments. With this legislation, we take a bold step toward breaking the silence around mental health and building a future filled with hope, connection and care.”

Morrison, the lead legislator on the lifesaving measure, said that although the bill is now signed, more work needs to be done to continue growing suicide prevention efforts in Delaware.

About DJ’s Alliance

DJ’s Alliance is a Delaware-based nonprofit focused on suicide prevention and postvention. The volunteer-run organization provides resources, advocacy and peer support to individuals and families affected by suicide loss. Learn more at http://www.djsalliance.com. If you are in a crisis and need support, please call, text or chat 988 or check out the crisis resources on DJ’s Alliance’s website.

We are so grateful to all of the amazing advocates who joined us for this celebration, including (but not limited to!):

Bayhealth
Coalition for a Safer Delaware
Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition
Mental Health Association in Delaware
Brady
Mom’s Demand Action
MeadowWood Hospital
Delaware Department of Education
SL24 UnLocke the Light Foundation
Irreverent Warriors Delaware
NeuroSync Mental Health Management Services
NAMI Delaware
Maternal and Child Death Review Commission (MCDRC)
JFS Delaware
Department of Veterans Affairs
Sun Behavioral
Delaware National Guard
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Rockford Center
Dover Behavioral Health System
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)