REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt a Resolution Establishing a Suicide Prevention Policy and Mental Health Promotion for the Community
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020, 45,979 people died by suicide in the United States. For every suicide death, there are also:
* 4 hospitalizations for suicide attempts
* 8 emergency department visits related to suicide
* 27 self-reported suicide attempts
* 275 people who seriously considered suicide
Individuals of all races, genders, ages, and other social characteristics express, attempt or die by suicide.
The negative effect of suicide on a community goes well beyond the individual life lost. The emotional toll impacts first responders (e.g. Public Safety Dispatchers, Police Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics, etc.) as well as loved ones (e.g. family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, faith community, etc.).
In August 2010, and revised in 2011, the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (County) created a County Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan (The Plan). Its vision is to prevent death by suicide and create a healthier community.
DISCUSSION
The City of Santa Clara (City) shares the County's mission of raising community awareness to the issue of death by suicide and has a desire to engage in efforts to stop it.
Suicide is complex and a difficult topic of discussion; however, it is preventable.
Resources
Locally and nationally, trained professionals can provide anonymous, compassionate support to individuals in mental health distress (e.g. just need to talk, mental health or substance use crisis, thoughts of suicide, etc.) over the phone, via text, and in-person as follows:
Disaster Distress Helpline, 800-985-5...
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