To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Tina Rivera, 707-565-4774
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming the month of September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month in Sonoma County
End
Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services (hereinafter, “DHS” or “the Department”) requests that the Board adopt a gold resolution proclaiming the month of September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month in Sonoma County.
Discussion:
Suicide is a major public health issue that requires vigilant attention and preventative action. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that suicide rates rose in the United States from 2000 to 2022 by 38 percent.
On average there are 73 deaths by suicide each year in Sonoma County, making suicide the ninth leading cause of death in the County. The Sonoma County age-adjusted suicide death rate for 2023 was 14.3 per 100,000 people per year, statistically higher than the California rate of 10.9 per 100,000 people per year (source: <https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/communityBurden/>).
In October of 2022, the Department brought together community partners to create Life Worth Living: Sonoma County Suicide Prevention Alliance (the Alliance). The Alliance has since developed a fiscal year 2024-2029 Sonoma County Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, which includes a call to action, comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, local data and 7 specific strategies to work towards fewer suicide deaths in the county. That plan can be found here: <https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Main%20County%20Site/Health%20and%20Human%20Services/Health%20Services/Documents/Behavioral%20Health/mental-health-services-act/Sonoma-County-Suicide-Prevention-Plan-Draft.pdf>
Efforts to prevent suicide in Sonoma County are scheduled for Suicide Prevention Month. The September edition of the Mental Health Services Act Newsletter will highlight several scheduled free activities that recognize Suicide Prevention Month. Find the newsletter and links to events here: <https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/divisions/behavioral-health/about-us/mental-health-services-act>
Prior Board Actions:
Most recently, on August 12, 2023 the Board adopted a gold resolution proclaiming the month of September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Month in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None