CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

98

Introduced by Senator Durazo

(Coauthor: Senator Richardson)

August 3, 2026

Relative to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

WHEREAS, September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to advance public understanding of suicide prevention, to reduce the stigma that prevents people from seeking help, and to affirm that support is available to anyone in crisis; and

WHEREAS, Suicide is a serious public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities across California, and timely access to compassionate mental health and crisis care saves lives; and

WHEREAS, Mental health, substance use, and suicidal crises are deeply connected, and a whole-person approach that addresses these needs together strengthens prevention and supports lasting recovery and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Community-based providers are essential partners to the state in delivering accessible mental health and crisis services, in reaching underserved communities, and in advancing the goals of California’s behavioral health system; and

WHEREAS, The California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives represents more than 400 community-based substance use disorder treatment providers across California’s 58 counties, including Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, and works to advance accessible behavioral health care for all Californians; and

WHEREAS, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services established the first 24-hour suicide prevention crisis line in the United States, and its Suicide Prevention Center continues to provide multilingual crisis call, chat, and text services via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, counseling for survivors of suicide attempts, and support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide; and

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Legislature proclaims the month of September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the State of California, recognizes the importance of suicide prevention and of access to mental health and crisis care, and affirms that support is available to all Californians, including through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.