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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the week of September 7-13, 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Week in Solano County (Supervisor James)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 7-13, 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
National Suicide Prevention Week is an annual campaign observed in the United States to educate and inform the general public about suicide prevention and rising suicide rates. It also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance. Suicide is a preventable local, State and national public health crisis that impacts individuals, families, friends, and the community. The 2023 statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) indicate that suicide remains the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
National Suicide Prevention Week also incorporates ‘988 Day,’ which is September 8, 2025, to raise awareness for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a national service offering free, 24/7 confidential support for mental health challenges and substance use concerns. Additionally, World Suicide Prevention Day, which is September 10, 2025, raises awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented and is recognized internationally and supported by the World Health Organization.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda submittal are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with the purchase and preparation of resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Suicide is a preventable public health crisis that impacts individuals, families and friends, and the community. In 2023, there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts in the United States (U.S.), and over 49,000 Americans died by suicide. Nationally and locally, the rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white men, and men die by suicide 3.8 times more than women. In 2023, white males accounted for 68.13% of suicide deaths in the nation. Firearms accounted for 55.36% of all suicide deaths.
According to 2023 data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 – 34 years, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 – 44 years.
According to 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highest U.S. age-adjusted suicide rate by race/ethnicity was among American Indian/Alaska Natives (23.8 per 100,000) and Non-Hispanic White populations (17.6 per 100,000). Much lower rates were found among Black or African Americans, Hispanic, and Asian populations. A 2023 U.S. National Survey conducted by the Trevor Project indicates that LGBTQ+ youth also remain at high risk, with over half of transgender and nonbinary youth reporting that they are seriously considering suicide.
Solano County’s suicide rate (14.0 per 100,000 people) remains higher than the State rate (10.5 per 100,000 people). In Solano County, in 2024, there were 53 suicide deaths. In the first six months of 2025, there have been 25 suicide deaths, which is six less than this same period last year. Of the fatalities, ranging in age from 15 to 88 years, 21 were male and 4 were female. Firearms was the most common method of death by suicide (15), followed by hanging (5), substance/drug overdose (4), and prescription medicine (1). One individual was a veteran and none were unhoused.
In 2023, Behavioral Health, in partnership with the Public Health Division, was awarded $2,074,074 from the California Department of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (CDPH/IVPB) to participate in the development and implementation of the State Youth Suicide Reporting and Crisis Response Pilot Program. The two-year pilot, which concluded on June 30, 2025, focused on strengthening early identification, intervention, and response to suicide by enhancing data tracking, standardizing reporting, education and training, and expanding postvention services. The State is now in the process of evaluating the data and producing a final report specific to suicide reporting and crisis response efforts.
Solano County Behavioral Health (SCBH) continues to address suicide prevention and supports through the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI), funding for FY2025/26 as highlighted in the county’s Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan. However, due to categorical shifts under Proposition 1, prevention activities will no longer be allowable after July 1, 2026, resulting in the elimination of BHSA-funded suicide prevention programs.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt and present the resolution. This is not recommended because the resolution is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote community discussion regarding suicide prevention.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention and Overdose Coalition, which is comprised of behavioral health providers, law enforcement, Drug Safe Solano, healthcare providers, local education agencies, faith groups, consumers and family survivors continues to provide guidance and support for implementation of suicide prevention and postvention strategies locally. Additionally, several partners, including behavioral health contractors and local education agencies, support local suicide prevention efforts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION