HR 126

HR126:v99#DOCUMENT

Bill Start

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

House Resolution

No. 126

Relative to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

HR 126, as introduced, Pellerin.

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, which helps remove the surrounding stigmas and direct people 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, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adults 25 to 34 years of age, inclusive, and the second leading cause of death among individuals 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive, in California; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United State, and more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide in 2024; 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, 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 are among the most common method of death by suicide, accounting for more than one-half of all 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, Transgender adults are nearly nine times more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their lifetime compared to the general population; and

WHEREAS, According to federal guidelines, more than 76 percent of communities in California did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents in 2021; 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, California’s 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 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 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 that are on the front lines of a war that many people 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 Assembly wants to shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide during this month; and

WHEREAS, California’s 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 Assembly 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, That the Assembly hereby proclaims the month of September 2026 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.