Every September, San Mateo County recognizes Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, remember those we have lost, and reinforce that suicide is preventable and help is available. 

For more than two decades, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding supported BHRS, community partners, people with lived experience, families, and residents in building a strong countywide suicide prevention foundation. 

Key accomplishments included developing a Suicide Prevention Roadmap with equity integrated throughout, sustaining the Suicide Prevention Committee, expanding culturally responsive trainings and outreach, partnering with schools and community organizations, strengthening crisis-system coordination, elevating lived experience and storytelling, and making September a countywide opportunity for education and community mobilization. 

At the heart of this work has been a commitment to all people who live, work, learn and play in San Mateo County, including communities that have historically been marginalized, underserved, or excluded from behavioral health care. Equity in suicide prevention means recognizing that people experience risk, stigma, access to care and pathways to healing differently, and ensuring that prevention efforts are culturally responsive, accessible and shaped by the communities most impacted. 

Together, these efforts helped create a more informed, connected and prepared community, with more people equipped to recognize warning signs, have compassionate conversations, connect someone to support, and understand that seeking help is a sign of strength. 

As of July 1, 2026, suicide prevention transitioned to San Mateo County Health’s Public Health, Policy and Planning (PHPP) division under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). This transition represents a new chapter, not an end to the work. 

PHPP will carry this important work forward, and BHRS will remain a strong partner, supporting crisis response, treatment, recovery and the shared goal of ensuring that every person in San Mateo County, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, income, immigration experience, geography, or other life circumstance, has access to connection, hope, support and care. 

Check out 2026 Suicide Prevention Month page, including events happening this month, at smchealth.org/spm.

For crisis services information, including who to call during a behavioral health crisis, please visit smchealth.org/crisis-services. 

By Maria Lorente-Foresti, Office of Diversity and Equity Director