San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Hosts Events During National Suicide Prevention Month

Author: Behavioral Health
Date: 9/23/2024 9:40 AM

Community-wide efforts focus on education, awareness, and the supports available to those struggling.

The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is urging the community to participate in events during Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. San Luis Obispo County is ranked 12th out of 58 counties for the highest suicide rate, which is higher than both the state and national average per 100,000 people.

"Each life lost to suicide is a profound tragedy that leaves a lasting impact on families, friends, and entire communities," said Dr. Star Graber, PhD., LMFT Director of the County's Behavioral Health Department. "It's important to underscore that suicide is preventable and, by coming together, learning, raising awareness, and extending compassion, we can create a world where no one feels alone in their darkest moments."

Events kick off on Friday, September 27 with the Multi-County Suicide Prevention Summit hosted by SLO Suicide Prevention Council. The summit will inform attendees on how to recognize symptoms of suicide as and steps to take when someone is in crisis. Keynote speakers include Dr. Frank Campbell, Becky Stoll, LCSW, and award-winning author, filmmaker, and Golden Gate Bridge suicide attempt survivor Kevin Hines.

Community members are also invited to attend the Beautiful Minds Walk on Saturday, September 28 at Laguna Middle School. The walk, hosted by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) SLO and sponsored by SLO Behavioral Health, raises awareness around mental health, provides resources, and honors those who have been affected by suicide. The day will include community speakers, resources, a silent auction, and more.

New this year is a training for community members on Senate Bill 43. The training on Thursday, October 2 from 6pm-8pm will cover impacts of SB 43 on involuntary behavioral health detention (5150) and conservatorship laws and discuss how it now affects those in our county with severe substance use disorders (SUD). The department encourages parents, family members, spouses, friends, and individuals affected by substance use to attend the learning opportunity so they may make a safety plan before a crisis occurs.

"Suicide affects individuals and families across our community," said Brita Connelly, SLO Behavioral Suicide Prevention Coordinator. "All of us have a role in suicide prevention and the ability to save someone's life. Learning the warning signs is a great start. Sign up for a training or presentation, volunteer for the Central Coast Hotline, help raise awareness in your own community by encouraging others to reach out for help. Asking for help is not easy, so be the one to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about."

For a full list of events throughout the month, visit Behavioral Health's Suicide Prevention webpage. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the Central Coast Hotline 1-800-783-0607 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988. To access SLO Behavioral Health services, call 1-800-838-1381.

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