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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the week of September 10-16, 2017 as “Suicide Prevention Week” in Solano County (Supervisor Thomson)
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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 the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing the week of September 10-16, 2017 as “National Suicide Prevention Week” in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
Suicide is a significant public health crisis that impacts individuals’ families, friends, and community. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for all ages in the United States and 2nd leading cause of death among individuals under the age of 45, claiming approximately 44,000 lives nationwide. The CDC estimates that in the United States there are 1.1 million suicide attempts each year. Men are at a disproportionately higher risk of suicide and often use highly lethal means, such as firearms in their attempts. In California, 78% of suicides are committed by middle-aged men (35-64), contributing to 40% of suicides in the United States. Suicide is also a major health concern at the local level. In 2016 alone, Solano County experienced 44 suicide deaths, of which 45% were individuals between the ages of 40-59. Over the last 10 years, 78%, on average, of all Solano County suicide deaths are men and 48% of suicide deaths during 2016 involved a firearm.
This Resolution recognizes suicide as a national and statewide public health problem, and suicide prevention as a national and statewide responsibility, and designates September 10th through 16th as “National Suicide Prevention Week” in Solano County. This week overlaps World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th, recognized internationally and supported by the World Health Organization.
Financial Impact:
There is no additional financial impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Each year, the statewide suicide prevention campaign Each Mind Matters focuses on one target population and this year’s focus is on “Men & Means” corresponding to the data demonstrating that men are at a disproportionately higher risk of suicide.
Solano County Behavioral Health continues to engage in suicide prevention activities under Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) services. Prior and future activities include:
• Partnered with the Solano County Office of Education to distribute Suicide Prevention Week School Toolkits to middle schools and high schools across the County.
• Partnered with the Area on Agency to provide 10 Suicide Prevention Trainings for community members and will continue to provide trainings as needed to providers, school personnel, and community members.
• Partnered with the Sheriff’s Department Coroner’s Office and local firearms instructors to develop suicide prevention materials to be distributed and posted at local businesses that sell firearms and at firing ranges in Solano County. The materials provide their customers with information on how to approach a friend or family member who owns a weapon and may be experiencing an emotional crisis in order to encourage the individual to store his/her firearm off site.
• Facilitation of the Solano County Suicide Prevention Committee comprised of County staff and community partners including: mental health consumers, including those that have survived suicide attempts; family member survivors; providers representing mental health; substance abuse and healthcare representatives from both public and private sectors; law enforcement; community-based organizations; representatives from the faith-based community; education representatives; and concerned community members.
• Distribution of stigma reduction materials and information to the community.
• In partnership with NorthBay Healthcare and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the annual Survivor Day will be held on Saturday November 18, 2017
In addition to MHSA PEI suicide prevention efforts, Solano County Behavioral Health utilizes MHSA Workforce Education and Training (WET) funds to support the provision of crisis intervention training for local law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Department. The training is intended to better prepare officers in responding to situations involving individuals with mental health conditions and crisis situations. As a result of this training, deputies from the Sheriff’s Department recently utilized these skills to intervene in an attempted suicide. Due to their quick thinking, compassionate demeanor, and use of crisis intervention skills, these deputies and dispatchers were able to work collaboratively in order to prevent a Solano County citizen from taking his own life.
Suicide is largely preventable with the right actions and knowledge about suicide, and with a change in society’s view of suicide that would make it more acceptable to seek help.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt and present the resolution. This is not recommended because the resolution provides an opportunity to raise awareness and promote community discussion regarding suicide prevention.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Suicide Prevention Committee endorses the resolution and activities planned throughout Suicide Prevention Week.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION