2024 Suicide Prevention Month: Love Over Loneliness

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📅  We are one month away from September Suicide Prevention Month (in addition to Recovery Happens Month)!  

San Mateo County will be joining statewide and nationwide efforts for the following Suicide Prevention Month (SPM) observances. SPM is one of the best times of the year where we can honor those affected by suicide and inspire action to prevent suicide.   

  • Suicide Prevention Month (September)  
  • National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14)   
  • World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)  

The 2024 SPM statewide theme is “Love Over Loneliness”. Our San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in January declaring loneliness a public health crisis and pledging to promote social connection in our communities. According to the 2023 San Mateo County Health and Quality of Life Survey, 45% of respondents in San Mateo County were experiencing difficulty with loneliness and isolation. 

Now more than ever it is important that we find ways to connect with one another. Know the signs, find the words, and reach out. 
 
This year, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity & Equity and San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee lead a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and communication campaign. For the latest updates on free events and resources, you can visit SMCSuicidePrevention.com.  To help spread this message of hope, you can share our flyer.  

Thank you for helping prevent suicide and promote wellness in our community! 
Martha, Sylvia & Walter  
Suicide Prevention Co-Chairs 

Martha Cervantes, LMFT (She/Her/Hers), Director of Crisis Services, StarVista Crisis Services 
650-208-3057 | martha.cervantes@star-vista.org 

Sylvia Tang , MPP (She/Her/Hers), Community Health Planner, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity 
650-208-5799 | stang@smcgov.org 

Walter Ng (He/Him/His), Program Coordinator, StarVista Crisis Services 
650-722-7652 | walter.ng@star-vista.org 

Help Available Now: If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please reach out for 24/7 confidential crisis support: call 650-579-0350 (or 988) or text “BAY” to 741741 (or 988) or visit sanmateocrisis.org. 

More information: To learn more about SPC and suicide prevention resources, please visit smchealth.org/SuicidePrevention.