BATON ROUGE — Louisiana's suicide rate has increased almost 20% over the last 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and one local woman is using her personal experience to push for change.

Around 650 people die by suicide each year in Louisiana, with the majority being men.

Kalynn Fugler keeps three items close: a pair of sunglasses, a plastic trophy and a camouflage hat. Each one represents something from the life of her brother, Bryce Hebert, who died by suicide on July 5.

"He had the biggest smile, the loudest laugh," Fugler said.

Those objects also fuel her push for better access to mental health care for people who are struggling.

"People who seem like they're totally fine and are lifting everybody else," Fugler said, "but really on the inside they're not okay."

At the state capitol, lawmakers have also been working on the issue. State Rep. Terry Landry Jr. sits on the House Education Committee, which has put mental health care at the forefront of its work. Landry says the goal is to connect students with resources before they reach a point of crisis.

"Letting them know there are student groups often on campus, outlets and guidance counselors on the front end so that when there is an instance where a child is feeling down and depressed, letting them know there are support groups," Landry said.

A separate law that took effect Aug. 1 requires hospitals to create discharge plans for anyone admitted for a behavioral health emergency, making sure patients receive follow-up visits and the full help they need.

"You have to have some type of release, and individuals don't want to share their personal business, maybe with their friends or family, but if you go to a true professional, it can really help," Landry said.

Experts urge anyone who might be having suicidal thoughts to call the suicide hotline at 9-8-8.