Mayor Holland | Vice Mayor DeGolia | Councilmember Lewis | Councilmember Widmer | Councilmember Lane Town of Atherton
Proclamation
IN RECOGNITION OF SEPTEMBER 2026 AS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH WHEREAS, Atherton will join the country and state in honoring Suicide Prevention Month (September), National Suicide Prevention Week (September 6-12) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) to spread the message that suicide can be prevented; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, 65 people died by suicide in San Mateo County; 9,212 calls, 1,073 chats and 1,735 text messages were received by 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (operated by Felton Institute’s Peninsula Suicide Prevention); and
WHEREAS, Atherton residents are urged to play a role in supporting each other and preventing suicide by knowing the signs of suicide, finding the words of support and reaching out to local resources, including 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (operated by Felton Institute’s Peninsula Suicide Prevention), Alternatives to Suicide Peer Support Group (by Heart and Soul, Inc), Suicide Loss Support Group (by Mission Hospice & Homecare) and Be Sensitive Be Brave and Mental Health First Aid trainings; and WHEREAS, the 2026 theme, "The Weight We Carry," recognizes that many people—particularly men and boys—carry invisible burdens such as emotional pain, stress, grief, isolation, and expectations; and, consistent with Executive Order N-31-25, which calls for action to address the disproportionately high rates of suicide among men and boys and improve mental health, and the 2024 San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Resolution declaring loneliness a public health crisis, calls on our community to reduce stigma, strengthen social connection and belonging, and ensure that no one has to carry these burdens alone; and WHEREAS, beyond September, you can join the San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee which provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in the County and advances this mission by focusing on strategies and activities in the Suicide Prevention Roadmap 2021-2026. The Roadmap recommends activities that span across the continuum of care, including stable housing, education and trainings and risk-appropriate treatment.
NOW, THEREFORE, AS MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON, AND ON BEHALF OF THE ATHERTON CITY COUNCIL, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month and call upon everyone in San Mateo County community to find their role in suicide prevention.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Atherton to be affixed this 16th day of September, 2026. __________________________
Stacy Holland, Mayor
Town of Atherton