P.R. Laws tit. 24, § 3241
The Government of Puerto Rico recognizes that suicide is one of the most alarming and complex problems faced by our society. In developing the public policy on this matter, scientific and clinical research on suicide as well as the prevention, intervention, handling and aftermath of suicide must be emphasized. Likewise, emphasis must be given to the extent of the problem and the right of the citizens to receive clinical and rehabilitation services without stigmatizing themselves and their family.
The Government of Puerto Rico has recognized as its public policy, that it must propitiate scientific research on suicide, the training of support professionals, the development of services to attend to the needs of these persons in crisis, and their families, so that their recovery and reentry to social and productive life is eased.
Therefore it is necessary to analyze the extent of the problem of suicide in Puerto Rico, identify the existing services, determine which additional services are needed, and develop an action plan that will integrate the efforts of the central government, municipal governments, the private sector, and of those nonprofit entities that intervene in this problem.
The public policy that is implemented through this chapter, recognizes:
(1) Suicide as a problem of the Puerto Rican society that we have the obligation to confront.
(2) The effect of the social stigma associated to mental health conditions that prevent a person from seeking help needed when at risk of suicide.
(3) In addition, the social stigma greatly affects the families and makes it difficult to return to a normal and productive life.
(4) Suicide as an undeterminable economic burden for the State in terms of the potential of lives lost and medical costs incurred, among others.
(5) Suicide as a complex multi factorial (biological, psychological and social) problem.
(6) That in spite of being a problem that can be prevented, there is a great necessity to develop more effective preventive programs.
(7) Prevention efforts are never sufficient, there is always something new to contribute so we must maximize our efforts.
History —Aug. 2, 1999, No. 227, § 2.