To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Nolan Sullivan, 707-565-4774; Melissa Ladrech, 707-565-4909
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming the month of September 2025 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 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month in Sonoma County.
Discussion:
Suicide is a major public health issue that requires vigilant attention and preventative action. The Center for Disease Control <https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html> reports Suicide rates increased significantly for most age groups 35 and older, rising the fastest among people ages 55-64 (9% increase in 2022). The highest rates in 2023 were among people aged 85 and older (22.66 deaths per 100,000), followed by those aged 75 to 84 (19.44 deaths per 100,000).
On average from 2017-2024 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 2024 was 14.1 per 100,000 people (5 years and older) per year, statistically higher than the California rate of 10.9 per 100,000 people (5 years and older) per year. (Calculations made by Sonoma County Epidemiologist based on data sources from the California Department of Public Health)
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 <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>, which includes a call to action, comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, local data and seven specific strategies to work towards fewer suicide deaths in the county.
Over the past year, the Alliance has made significant progress on Strategy 1: Increase visibility and accessibility of behavioral health support and treatment resources, by developing an interactive web-based Behavioral Health Resource Map <https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/divisions/behavioral-health/resource-map>.
This user-friendly map is designed to help individuals, families, and providers navigate and connect with a wide range of behavioral health services available throughout the community. While not a comprehensive list of every resource, it serves as a strong starting point for finding meaningful support. The map is organized into six key categories: Crisis Support, Behavioral Health, Children and Youth Services, Advocacy and Supportive Services, Cultural Aid, and Housing and Basic Needs. Whether you're looking for immediate assistance or longer-term support, the Behavioral Health Resource Map offers valuable tools to help guide your path toward improved mental health and overall well-being.
Prior Board Actions:
Most recently, on August 20, 2024 the Board adopted a gold resolution proclaiming the month of September 2024 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
Attachment 2 - Crisis Support Resources
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None