Father of Suicide Victim Lobbies for Awareness, Prevention

Only 19 states make it mandatory for teachers to learn the warning signs of suicidal students, and Massachusetts isn't one of them.

Brian Fernandes, whose son took his own life in 2008, is looking to push legislation that would give teachers the tools to spot the warning signs as part of their professional development.

Speaking on WBSM's "Mid-Day Live", Fernandes says if teachers don't learn the signs, any investments in a suicidal student are in vain.

Fernandes testified before the House of Representatives' Committee on Education Thursday, lobbying for the suicide awareness training, and sharing his personal story with lawmakers.

Representative Tony Cabral has written the language, and is also pushing the bill through the legislature in an effort to put it on the Governor's desk.