County offers special events during Suicide Prevention Month

Events will begin with the Multi-County Suicide Prevention Summit hosted by the SLO Suicide Prevention Council on Friday

– The San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department is encouraging community members to participate in events during National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States, and San Luis Obispo County ranks 12th out of California’s 58 counties for the highest suicide rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages 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, Ph.D., LMFT, Director of the San Luis Obispo County 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.”

The events will begin with the Multi-County Suicide Prevention Summit hosted by the SLO Suicide Prevention Council on Friday, Sept. 27. The summit will focus on recognizing symptoms of suicide and the 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 participate in the Beautiful Minds Walk on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Laguna Middle School. Hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) SLO and sponsored by SLO Behavioral Health, the walk aims to raise awareness about mental health, provide resources, and honor those affected by suicide. The day will feature community speakers, resources, a silent auction, and other activities.

A new training session for community members on Senate Bill 43 will take place on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This training will cover the impacts of SB 43 on involuntary behavioral health detention (5150) and conservatorship laws and discuss how it affects those in the county with severe substance use disorders (SUD). The department encourages parents, family members, spouses, friends, and individuals affected by substance use to attend this learning opportunity to develop a safety plan before a crisis occurs.

“Suicide affects individuals and families across our community,” said Brita Connelly, SLO Behavioral Health 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 the Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention webpage. Those struggling or in need of support can reach out to the Central Coast Hotline at (800) 783-0607 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988. To access SLO Behavioral Health services, call (800) 838-1381.