North Bay Coalition on Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention

Sunday, September 1, 2019 - 1:40pm

During the week of September 8-14, 2019, individuals and organizations around the country will join their voices to share the message that suicide can be prevented, and provide the tools and resources to support themselves and those around them.

Addressing community mental health and suicide requires a comprehensive community response from government, health organizations, nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses. SMART has partnered with suicide prevention experts and local public health departments to assist in advising on the best practices in education and communication on suicide prevention and mental health outreach. In just a few short weeks, SMART has brought together over 45 organizations in Marin and Sonoma counties to lead the movement on suicide prevention and mental health.

In September, the North Bay Coalition on Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention will launch a public awareness campaign throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties to educate the public on available community resources for those suffering from mental health challenges and where to seek help in a crisis. We recognize the important role we can play in influencing and supporting a wider community-based approach to suicide prevention – addressing the challenge suicide presents to society as a whole and working with local authorities to ensure that suicide prevention strategies and measures are engaged.

We urge every resident of Sonoma and Marin Counties to take five minutes and visit SuicideIsPreventable.org. Learn the warning signs of suicide, how to talk about suicide and what resources are available here in Marin and Sonoma County.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there is hope and there is help. Call 1-800-273-TALK or text CONNECT to 741741 to confidentially talk with a trained counselor. Please share this information with your friends, family and coworkers.