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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the week of September 6-12, 2026, as National Suicide Prevention Week in Solano County (Chair Brown)
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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 recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 6-12, 2026, 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 2024 statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) indicate that suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, compared to the 11th leading cause of death in prior years.
National Suicide Prevention Week also incorporates September 8, 2026 as ‘988 Day’ 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 is September 10, 2026, recognized internationally by the World Health Organization to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the purchase and preparation of resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Suicide is a preventable public health crisis that impacts individuals, families, friends, and the community. In 2024, there were an estimated 2.2 million suicide attempts in the United States, which is 1.5 times increase from 2023, according to the AFSP, and over 48,000 Americans died by suicide, a 1% decrease from 2023. Suicide-related deaths were three to four times higher among males compared to females. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 15-34. However, suicide rates in this age group decreased by 4% from 2023 to 2024, declining from 15.9 to 15.2 per 100,000. Firearms accounted for 57% of all suicide deaths.
According to 2024 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 (22.5 per 100,000) and Non-Hispanic White populations (17.2 per 100,000). Much lower rates were found among Black or African Americans, Hispanic, and Asian populations. A 2025 U.S. National Survey conducted by the Trevor Project indicates that 36% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 40% of transgender and nonbinary young people.
In Solano County, in 2025, there were 51 suicide deaths. In the first six months of 2026, there have been 23 suicide deaths, which is two fewer than this same period last year. Of the fatalities, they ranged in age from 19 to 88 years, 18 were male and 5 were female.
Beginning July 1, 2026, implementation of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) changed how prevention activities are funded and administered statewide. Under the former Mental Health Services Act, Solano County Behavioral Health administered Prevention and Early Intervention activities that included suicide prevention and stigma reduction. Under the new BHSA structure, population-based behavioral health prevention is now led by the California Department of Public Health. Consistent with this change, Solano County Health and Social Services transitioned primary oversight of population-based suicide prevention activities, including implementation of the County’s Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, to the Division of Public Health. The Division of Behavioral Health remains a key partner, with responsibility for early intervention, crisis response, and treatment services for individuals at elevated clinical risk.
As part of this transition, the Solano County Suicide Prevention and Overdose Coalition now operates as an ad hoc group within the Healthy Solano Collaborative. This structure is intended to strengthen coordination across public health, behavioral health, healthcare, community-based organizations, and other partners while maintaining a shared focus on suicide prevention, overdose prevention, early intervention, and community well-being throughout Solano County.
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 Suicide Prevention and Overdose Coalition, which is comprised of public health, 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 contractors and local education agencies, support local suicide prevention efforts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION