These policies serve as a beacon of hope, fostering a culture of compassion

 

This editorial is the opinion of Morgan Hill Life

Suicide is a pervasive public health crisis that affects individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of age, culture, or background.

In a recent milestone achievement, all cities in Santa Clara County have now formally adopted comprehensive city-wide suicide prevention policies.

This significant development is the culmination of years of dedicated efforts by the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Service Department’s Suicide Prevention Program.

The unanimous adoption of these policies by most city councils signifies a united front against suicide, combating the stigma associated with it, and paving the way for more resilient communities.

The implemented city suicide prevention policies ensure communities collaborate and engage in best practices to address this pressing public health issue. They encourage cities to educate residents about suicide, be aware of its warning signs, and provide available resources for help.

Formal procedures have been established to promote safe messaging practices when communicating with the community and to share resources effectively.

These policies also emphasize the importance of adopting postvention protocols to provide support and guidance when a suicide occurs.

Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, and Milpitas have taken their commitment to the next level by establishing suicide prevention task forces. They collaborate with the Suicide Prevention Program to amplify the collective efforts to combat suicide and extend support.

The journey toward comprehensive suicide prevention policies began in 2010 when the county adopted its own policy.

Through a range of community activities, including crisis intervention services, public awareness campaigns, mental health training, school partnerships, and grief support, the program has been working to fulfill its mission.

During the years, cities followed suit, with the first city policies being implemented in 2012.

By the end of 2020, seven city policies were in place. In 2021, six more were adopted. The final city-level policy was formally adopted last year.

These policies serve as a beacon of hope, fostering a culture of compassion and understanding surrounding mental health issues.

By prioritizing mental health and implementing proactive strategies, saving lives is within our grasp. The commitment to suicide prevention is not merely a legal requirement but a moral imperative.

The adoption of these policies encourages individuals to seek help, promoting a culture of compassion and support. They serve as a beacon of hope.

If you’re feeling despondent with your life and are thinking of ending it, please seek help. Despite how hard life might get, there are always people who can listen to you and help you.