JANUARY 21, 2025 www.cityofpaloalto.org
CITY SUICIDE
PREVENTION POLICY
and Mental Health
Initiatives
1 PURPOSE
Affirm the City of Palo Alto’s ongoing commitment to
the awareness of suicide as a public health concern,
promote community collaboration, de-stigmatize
mental health concerns and care, and support suicide
prevention strategies, including those identified in the Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.
2 WHY DO WE NEED A CSPP?
Demonstrates a commitment from the highest level to support community mental health and wellness efforts, through:
• Community collaboration and partnerships
• Elevating the conversation about mental health
• Supporting suicide prevention efforts and strategies
Provides a framework to support mental health and wellness in the community and prevent suicides.
3 GUIDING FRAMEWORK TO PROMOTE STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES -Collaboration with County and mental health partners
-Share information and resources
-Maintain a list of resources on the City website
Residents
(all ages)
City
Employees
City
Facilities
-Maintain public safety protocols
-Safe storage of firearms, securing restricted areas,
proper chain of custody
-Share resources with employees
-Trainings, City-wide communications
-Maintain a list of resources for employees
Coordination
with Partners
4 MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Community Events
• Rides for Teens
• Partnership with Palo Alto
University
• Psychiatric Emergency Response
Team (PERT)
KRISTEN O’KANE
Director, Community Services
kristen.o’[email protected]
650-463-4908