CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 70Introduced by Assembly Member Pellerin(Principal coauthors: Assembly Members Berman and Ramos)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Chen, Connolly, Mark Gonzlez, Pacheco, Blanca Rubio, and Schiavo)(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Gonzalez, Ochoa Bogh, Umberg, and Valladares)April 24, 2025 Relative to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTACR 70, as introduced, Pellerin. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.This measure would proclaim September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill TextWHEREAS, September is known nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to raise the visibility of the mental health resources and suicide prevention service available in our community; andWHEREAS, Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects individuals, families, and communities across California; andWHEREAS, The goal is to speak openly about the importance of mental health and the impacts of suicide to help remove the surrounding stigmas, and to direct those in need to the appropriate support services; andWHEREAS, Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, income level, religion, or background; andWHEREAS, According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the second leading cause of death among adults 25 to 34 years of age, inclusive, the second leading cause of death among Native American youth 10 to 20 years of age, inclusive, and the third leading cause of death among individuals 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive, in California; andWHEREAS, Four thousand three hundred twelve people died by suicide in California in 2022, which, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was more than twice the number of homicides; and WHEREAS, In 2023, there was an average of 134 suicides per day in the United States, which is one every 10 minutes; andWHEREAS, In 2022, 49,476 Americans died by suicide, 68 percent of which were White males; andWHEREAS, The overall suicide rate in California is 10.5 per 100,000 people, the highest county rate is in the County of Shasta at 24.9, and the lowest rate is in the County of Imperial at 5.8; andWHEREAS, Suicide rates vary significantly across different racial and ethnic groups. The rates per 100,000 people are: 15.6 for White individuals, 13.4 for American Indian or Alaska Native individuals; 7.0 for Black individuals, 6.4 for Hispanic or Latino individuals, and 5.0 for Asian individuals; andWHEREAS, Firearms were used in one out of three of those suicide deaths; andWHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ youth were almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth, 54 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth in California considered suicide, and 19 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide in the past year; andWHEREAS, In 2021, 12,300,000 American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3,500,000 made a plan, and 1,700,000 attempted suicide; andWHEREAS, More than 76 percent of communities in California did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents in 2021, according to federal guidelines; andWHEREAS, Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 suicide prevention lifeline has experienced a notable increase in utilization, reflecting both heightened awareness and demand for mental health support services; andWHEREAS, In May 2023, Californias 13 crisis centers responded to approximately 37,800 contacts, including calls, text messages, and chats, marking a 28-percent increase compared to the same period the previous year before the 988 launch; andWHEREAS, Anyone can call or text 988, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, to receive support when experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use-related crisis; andWHEREAS, Suicide is preventable so if you recognize the signs that someone may be suicidal, find the words to speak to them, and direct them to resources; andWHEREAS, The State of California recognizes the national, state, and local organizations, including the AFSP, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Institute of Mental Health, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, The Trevor Project, the State Department of Health Care Services, and county departments of behavioral health, are on the front lines of a war that many still refuse to discuss, as suicide and mental health remain too uncomfortable for many to talk about; andWHEREAS, It may be beneficial to focus prevention programs and resources on vulnerable populations who are most at risk of suicide, including White males, LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly transgender individuals, youth, veterans and military personnel, Native Americans, rural and underserved populations, and Black Californians who have seen an increased rate of suicide; andWHEREAS, Other risk factors can also identify groups who may need support, such as older adults with physical health problems, individuals with alcohol or substance abuse problems, individuals with a history of suicidal thoughts or plans, and individuals in crisis; andWHEREAS, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized public health crisis in California. The Legislature wants to shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide during this month; andWHEREAS, Californias goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help; andWHEREAS, The Legislature encourages all California residents to take the time to ask about the well-being of their family, friends, and neighbors on a consistent basis and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they think appropriate, including a simple telephone call, message, handshake, or hug, which can go a long way toward helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer; now, therefore, be itResolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims the month of September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; and be it furtherResolved, That the people of California are encouraged to take the time to understand the importance of mental health, recognize the warning signs of suicide, and support those who may be struggling with mental health issues; and be it furtherResolved, That Californians are urged to participate in activities and initiatives that promote awareness, education, and support for suicide prevention; and be it furtherResolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 70Introduced by Assembly Member Pellerin(Principal coauthors: Assembly Members Berman and Ramos)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Chen, Connolly, Mark Gonzlez, Pacheco, Blanca Rubio, and Schiavo)(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Gonzalez, Ochoa Bogh, Umberg, and Valladares)April 24, 2025 Relative to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTACR 70, as introduced, Pellerin. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.This measure would proclaim September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 70
Introduced by Assembly Member Pellerin(Principal coauthors: Assembly Members Berman and Ramos)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Chen, Connolly, Mark Gonzlez, Pacheco, Blanca Rubio, and Schiavo)(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Gonzalez, Ochoa Bogh, Umberg, and Valladares)April 24, 2025
Introduced by Assembly Member Pellerin(Principal coauthors: Assembly Members Berman and Ramos)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Chen, Connolly, Mark Gonzlez, Pacheco, Blanca Rubio, and Schiavo)(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Gonzalez, Ochoa Bogh, Umberg, and Valladares)
April 24, 2025
Relative to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 70, as introduced, Pellerin. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
This measure would proclaim September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
This measure would proclaim September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
WHEREAS, September is known nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to raise the visibility of the mental health resources and suicide prevention service available in our community; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects individuals, families, and communities across California; and
WHEREAS, The goal is to speak openly about the importance of mental health and the impacts of suicide to help remove the surrounding stigmas, and to direct those in need to the appropriate support services; and
WHEREAS, Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, income level, religion, or background; and
WHEREAS, According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the second leading cause of death among adults 25 to 34 years of age, inclusive, the second leading cause of death among Native American youth 10 to 20 years of age, inclusive, and the third leading cause of death among individuals 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive, in California; and
WHEREAS, Four thousand three hundred twelve people died by suicide in California in 2022, which, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was more than twice the number of homicides; and
WHEREAS, In 2023, there was an average of 134 suicides per day in the United States, which is one every 10 minutes; and
WHEREAS, In 2022, 49,476 Americans died by suicide, 68 percent of which were White males; and
WHEREAS, The overall suicide rate in California is 10.5 per 100,000 people, the highest county rate is in the County of Shasta at 24.9, and the lowest rate is in the County of Imperial at 5.8; and
WHEREAS, Suicide rates vary significantly across different racial and ethnic groups. The rates per 100,000 people are: 15.6 for White individuals, 13.4 for American Indian or Alaska Native individuals; 7.0 for Black individuals, 6.4 for Hispanic or Latino individuals, and 5.0 for Asian individuals; and
WHEREAS, Firearms were used in one out of three of those suicide deaths; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ youth were almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth, 54 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth in California considered suicide, and 19 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide in the past year; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, 12,300,000 American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3,500,000 made a plan, and 1,700,000 attempted suicide; and
WHEREAS, More than 76 percent of communities in California did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents in 2021, according to federal guidelines; and
WHEREAS, Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 suicide prevention lifeline has experienced a notable increase in utilization, reflecting both heightened awareness and demand for mental health support services; and
WHEREAS, In May 2023, Californias 13 crisis centers responded to approximately 37,800 contacts, including calls, text messages, and chats, marking a 28-percent increase compared to the same period the previous year before the 988 launch; and
WHEREAS, Anyone can call or text 988, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, to receive support when experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use-related crisis; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is preventable so if you recognize the signs that someone may be suicidal, find the words to speak to them, and direct them to resources; and
WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes the national, state, and local organizations, including the AFSP, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Institute of Mental Health, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, The Trevor Project, the State Department of Health Care Services, and county departments of behavioral health, are on the front lines of a war that many still refuse to discuss, as suicide and mental health remain too uncomfortable for many to talk about; and
WHEREAS, It may be beneficial to focus prevention programs and resources on vulnerable populations who are most at risk of suicide, including White males, LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly transgender individuals, youth, veterans and military personnel, Native Americans, rural and underserved populations, and Black Californians who have seen an increased rate of suicide; and
WHEREAS, Other risk factors can also identify groups who may need support, such as older adults with physical health problems, individuals with alcohol or substance abuse problems, individuals with a history of suicidal thoughts or plans, and individuals in crisis; and
WHEREAS, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized public health crisis in California. The Legislature wants to shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide during this month; and
WHEREAS, Californias goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature encourages all California residents to take the time to ask about the well-being of their family, friends, and neighbors on a consistent basis and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they think appropriate, including a simple telephone call, message, handshake, or hug, which can go a long way toward helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims the month of September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; and be it further
Resolved, That the people of California are encouraged to take the time to understand the importance of mental health, recognize the warning signs of suicide, and support those who may be struggling with mental health issues; and be it further
Resolved, That Californians are urged to participate in activities and initiatives that promote awareness, education, and support for suicide prevention; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.