Suicide Prevention Committee Newsletter – March 2025

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The Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in San Mateo County. Led by the Office of Diversity and Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the committee is comprised of suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, behavioral health providers, social service providers, local transportation agency staff, and other community members passionate about preventing suicide in our community.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Latest Updates

  • Suicide Prevention Committee is working on three projects. Each project addresses one of the goals prioritized for 2025. More details in next SPC meeting.
    • GOAL 1: Enhance Visible Leadership and Networked Partnerships 
    • GOAL 2: Increase Development and Coordination of Suicide Prevention Resources  
    • GOAL 3: Advance Data Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Monthly Meetings
    • Upcoming Meeting: Tuesday, 03/04/2025 1:30pm – 3pm
      • Topic: Resource Flyer, “I Am Suicide Prevention” Video Series and Volunteer Opportunities
    • Prior Meeting: Tuesday, 01/07/2025 1:30pm – 3pm
      • Topic: Resource Flyer
  • 2025 Meeting Schedule

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

Pacific Islander Initiative of San Mateo County Presents: Adult Health First Aid Certification
(https://smcbhrsblog.org/2025/02/13/3-22-adult-mental-health-first-aid-hosted-by-pacific-islander-initiative/)

This important session will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical skills to support someone who may be facing mental health or substance abuse challenges.

The training covers the initial steps to take when you encounter someone in need and provides you with effective tools to help navigate these situations with confidence and care.

It’s a great opportunity to learn how to provide the right support when it’s needed most.

Registration link: bit.ly/MHSA-TCIP
Le Maota, 833 Mahler Road, Burlingame, CA
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
9am – 6pm

ASIST is a two-day in person interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may be at risk for suicide and work with them to create a plan to support their immediate safety. Skills learned in one environment are transferable to others, creating a life-saving impact across the community.

This course is offered by San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity:

ASIST Training Registration Form for San Mateo 2024-2025

Mental Health First Aid and Be Sensitive Be Brave Trainings
Dedicated to empowering youth and families in underserved communities through evidence-based mental health training, Kingdom Love LLC focus is on strengthening family and community connections by providing accessible, skill-based education that fosters a shared understanding for prevention and early intervention.

To learn more and register for upcoming trainings, visit: https://www.kingdomlove.live/trainings

Blended In-Person Adult Mental Health First Aid
This training course focuses on adults supporting adults 18 years old and older. This is a blended in-person training course where registrants will need to complete a 2-hour self-paced course, prior to attending in-person on the scheduled date.

Registration is required to attend: bit.ly/SMCOUNTY
901 Civic Campus Way South San Francisco
Friday, February 28th, 2025
8:30am – 3:30pm

IN THE NEWS

This section includes news that intersects with our local suicide prevention work:

Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Director Newsletter (February 2025)
California Department of Public Health Office of Suicide Prevention Older Adult Suicide Data Brief
(https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Suicide%20Prevention%20Program/2021SuicidePreventionforOlderAdultsFactSheet_2025.pdf)
On 02/03/25, the CDPH Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) released a fact sheet Older Adult Suicide in California, 2021. Vital statistics data are summarized as well as linked surveillance data from coroner/medical examiner and law enforcement reports in participating California Violent Death Reporting System (CalVDRS) counties to provide a fuller understanding of the circumstances surrounding these deaths. The fact sheet was developed in partnership with the following CDPH IVPB programs:
California Violent Death Reporting System (CalVDRS), Comprehensive Suicide Prevention (CSP), Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP), and the Healthy Aging Initiative.

2025 Community Information Handbook
(https://www.smcgov.org/hsa/community-information-handbook)
Accessible in multiple languages, this comprehensive resource guide for the residents of San Mateo County. This handbook provides a hard and soft copy resource. In addition to the resources included in this handbook, you can find more information on nonprofit agencies, government programs and community organizations at www.smc-connect.org.
The interactive, easy-to-use web browser and search tool works on various platforms: desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

San Mateo County Supervisors to Receive Mid-Year Budget Update
(https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/san-mateo-county-supervisors-receive-mid-year-budget-update)

Recognized for its excellent fiscal stewardship, with the Board of Supervisors committed to conservative budgeting and transparency. However, the county is facing potential challenges, including rising demand for services and uncertain funding streams. The county is actively seeking its fair share of the Vehicle License Fee Adjustment Amount, a property tax that benefits 55 other counties but has left San Mateo County without adequate funding.

The rising cost of living and inflation are affecting vulnerable populations, and the county is focused on ensuring these individuals have access to the support they need. The county’s mid-year financial update for 2024-25 shows that it has sufficient revenue to continue funding its vital health and social services, but it faces financial risks ahead, including local economic shifts and uncertainty around state and federal funding.

County, Cities & Nonprofits Prepare for Policy Changes that Could Impact Health Care, Housing, Other Vital Services
https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/county-cities-nonprofits-prepare-policy-changes-could-impact-health-care-housing-other

Civic leaders in San Mateo County gathered to address potential changes in state and federal policies affecting health care, immigration, and infrastructure. County Executive Mike Callagy emphasized the importance of understanding community concerns. Participants expressed fears about reduced benefits and shared information. Discussions highlighted the need for collaboration among local governments and organizations to support safety-net services. David Canepa, president of the County Board of Supervisors, stressed the importance of a collective approach. The event underscored the significance of unified efforts to address policy impacts on vulnerable populations.

Board of Supervisors Reaffirm Commitment to Equity, Safety and Inclusion for All Communities
(https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/board-supervisors-reaffirm-commitment-equity-safety-and-inclusion-all-communities)

The Board of Supervisors in Redwood City has reaffirmed its commitment to diverse and historically marginalized groups, stating that values and local protections have not changed despite new federal priorities. The board has taken several steps to ensure populations like immigrants, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities feel welcome and secure in San Mateo County, leading to the county being nationally recognized as a “Certified Welcoming County” in January 2024.

Board of Supervisors Welcomes Two New Members
(https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/board-supervisors-welcomes-two-new-members)

Highlighting the election of David Canepa as the Board President, Noelia Corzo as the Vice President, Jackie Speier (a former member of Congress who previously served on the Board in the 1980s), and Lisa Gauthier (a former East Palo Alto mayor and council member).

The new supervisors outlined their priorities, which include addressing the high cost of living, combating childhood poverty, creating more childcare and affordable housing and ensuring equity and justice for all residents.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Practical Guide: 988 vs 911
This Practical Guide provides key considerations for guiding people in the appropriate use of 988 and 911. It offers practical steps for integrating crisis care into daily practice, real world scenarios, sample scripts, and de-escalation techniques.

CRISIS RESOURCES

NON-CRISIS RESOURCES

BE SENSITIVE, BE BRAVE

This is a two-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout. The County offers a Mental Health version and a Suicide Prevention version.MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

This is an eight-hour skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance uses signs or crises. The County offers a youth and adult version of this workshop.

For more information about both trainings above, please contact: Sylvia Tang stang@smcgov.org

CALL TO ACTION!

We have the power to make a difference.
By spreading awareness, providing support, and advocate for change, we can help people create aa world where they feel seen, heard, and supported. Here are ways you can help:

Actively participate in the next SPC meeting:
Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Web Browser: https://zoom.us/j/410362485 
(Meeting ID: 410 362 485)
One-Tap Phone: +16699006833,,410362485#
Phone (dial-in): +1 669 900 6833 US
(San Jose) Meeting ID: 410 362 485

Invite Someone New!
Ask new stakeholder, partner, agency, organization,  community member to join the SPC mailing list.

February 2025

  • Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is excited to invite you to participate in a national needs assessment to help shape the future of suicide prevention! This critical assessment will help us understand the steps you are taking to prevent suicide and how the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention guides your efforts. No matter your experience with the National Strategy, SPRC wants to hear from you and your other suicide prevention colleagues. Your anonymous responses will inform the development of resources to support your work. The survey closes on Friday, March 21, 2025 and can be completed HERE.
    • This assessment differs from SPRC’s State and Territories Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment (SNA). This new assessment is based on your individual experiences, priorities, and needs related to preventing suicide. In contrast, the SNA focuses on measuring state and territorial suicide prevention infrastructure and corresponding needs and challenges.
  • Insights from SAMHSA: Understanding and Preventing Black Youth Suicide – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released an issue brief, Black Youth Suicide Prevention, that highlights the pressing concern of Black youth suicide and the role state leaders, community members, and individuals can take to address Black youth suicide in their communities. You can learn more about understanding the barriers to accessing mental health support, recognizing signs that support is needed, the importance of building protective communities, and how to take action here.
  • National Behavioral Health Crisis Care Guidance
  • We are pleased to highlight SAMHSA’s newly released National Behavioral Health Crisis Care Guidance, which provides comprehensive strategies for improving crisis response systems nationwide. This initiative consists of two finalized documents and a draft resource aimed at strengthening Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) service delivery:
    • National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care: This is a foundational document outlining the essential elements of an effective crisis care system, including the importance of 24/7 crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization programs.
    • Model Program Definitions: A guide offering standardized definitions and best practices to ensure consistency in crisis care service implementation.
    • Draft Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) Toolkit: A resource currently open for public input, designed to enhance mobile crisis team effectiveness by providing guidance on service delivery models, staffing, and integration with broader crisis care systems.

Read more about these strategies for improving crisis response systems nationwide and how stakeholders can provide guidance on mobile crisis team effectiveness here.

January 2025

  • Share your voice about how Mental Health Services Act funded program, including suicide prevention!
    • Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)
      • Prop. 1 – BHSA Transition Taskforce Launch!
        • Learn about priorities as SMC transitions our behavioral health system to meet Proposition 1 requirements, emphasizing the need for supportive housing, integrated mental health and substance use services, serving the most vulnerable individuals living with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders and creating robust accountability and enhanced service delivery. If you are interested in joining the BHSA Transition Taskforce in an advisory role, please complete the following short interest survey and MARK YOUR CALENDARS! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BHSATaskforce
  • Give input on newly published 988 California website (https://www.988california.org/)
    • The 988 California is a consortium of crisis centers throughout the state of California. This collaborative network of crisis centers is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health support to anyone that calls/texts by mutually sharing information, resources and services in their respective areas to create a robust support system for individuals in crisis. By working together, these centers can ensure that consistent, high-quality care is available throughout the state.
    • If you have any input for this newly published website, please reach out to SPC Co-Chair Taylor Coutts at taylor.coutts@star-vista.org
  • Read, share and ask questions about Building California’s Comprehensive 988-Crisis System: A Strategic Blueprint (https://www.chhs.ca.gov/home/committees/988-crisis-policy-advisory-group/. 
    • Pursuant to The Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act (AB 988), the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) developed a five-year implementation plan for a comprehensive 988-crisis system. The OSP would like to share the following information below regarding the AB 988 Five-Year Implementation Plan – Building California’s Comprehensive 988-Crisis System: A Strategic Blueprint – from the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS). (AB 988 Five-Year Implementation Plan), along with related documents and materials developed through the planning process, were submitted to the Legislature and are now available on the above mentioned link.
    • We invite you to read the Plan, share it with your networks, and reach out to CalHHS (AB988Info@chhs.ca.gov) with any questions.
  • Provide public comment on newly drafted SAMHSA Mobile Crisis Team Services: An Implementation Toolkit

Announcements?
Have an important commission meeting?
Upcoming event you would like to highlight?
Send an email by the second Tuesday of each month for co-chairs review to: walter.ng@star-vista.org

QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK?
READY TO GET INVOLVED?
CONTACT US!

Martha Cervantes, LMFT #129448 (She/Her)
Director of StarVista Crisis Services
martha.cervantes@star-vista.org
(650) 208 – 3057

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

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

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