Dated: August 27, 2025
IN RECOGNITION OF SEPTEMBER AS
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco will join the country and state in honoring Suicide Prevention Month (September), National Suicide Prevention Week (September 7-13) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) to spread the message that suicide can be prevented; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, 69 people died by suicide in San Mateo County and 13,239 calls were received by the San Mateo County Crisis Line (650-579-0350), including 5,613 routed from 988 (42%) and 1,028 texts and 499 chats from 988; and
WHEREAS, South San Francisco community members 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 calling or texting the 988 Crisis Lifeline, mobile crisis teams by calling 650-579-0350, 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 (by Kingdom Love); and WHEREAS, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity, Suicide Prevention Committee and partners are collectively organizing activities that our community can participate in throughout September Suicide Prevention Month, including free in-person and virtual events, advocacy days and communication campaign. The 2025 theme is “Support, Your Way”. Ongoing updates posted at SMCHealth.org/SPM; and WHEREAS, evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and preventing loneliness by following up with loved ones, can help others; and
WHEREAS, it is essential that we educate residents about suicide, mental health and substance abuse problems and the ways they affect all people in the community; 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, trainings and risk-appropriate treatment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby proclaim September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and asks all community members to find their role in suicide prevention knowing that we are united in raising awareness that prevention is possible, treatment is effective, and people do recover. ________________________________
Eddie Flores, Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Vice Mayor
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Mark Nagales, Councilmember
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Councilmember