When Gail Pellerin lost her husband to suicide, she knew she needed to learn more about the causes and prevention as part of her healing process. Now, she is advocating for awareness through a resolution declaring September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In addition, she is honoring “Mental Health Heroes” in her district. KSQD is proud that host, Debra Sloss is among those being honored, for her work on radio and podcasting.
Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) invited mental health advocates and survivors to the Capitol for her presentation of ACR 70, which proclaims September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Pellerin, a survivor of suicide loss, has been a passionate advocate for prevention awareness since her husband, Tom, died on November 19, 2018. “Early in my grieving process, I attended a talk on suicide, and the speaker encouraged us to put our grief to work. We’re here today to shine a light on this pain that’s all too common, but not discussed enough,” Pellerin said. Since being elected to the State Assembly, she has used her voice and lived experiences as a platform to raise awareness to the issue on a state-wide level, including emphasizing how words matter and moving away from “committed suicide” to “died by suicide” because suicide is not a crime, it is the tragic result of an illness.
Behavioral health services are a vital resource that Assembly Democrats have funded across California—especially following federal cuts. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that mental health issues are a leading cause of suicide, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-34, and 39% of all suicides involve firearms. These statistics could change with increased awareness and prevention.
“Suicide is not a selfish act. It is a devastating outcome of someone who feels utterly hopeless, trapped in unbearable pain, and no longer afraid of dying. Please know that you are not alone, you are wanted, and no one will be better off without you. Take it from someone who knows. Help is available. Call or text 988 to receive support during a mental health crisis. The LGBTQ+ community can access The Trevor Project by calling 988 and pressing 3, or by texting “PRIDE” to 988,” affirmed Assemblymember Pellerin.
What Assemblymembers Have to Say
Fellow member of the Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva shared, “As an educator, I have seen how important it is that our youth and all Californians have access to mental health resources and support. Suicide prevention is about awareness, compassion, and action, and I am proud to stand with Assemblymember Pellerin in supporting ACR 70 to break the stigma and save lives.”
“Each of us has a responsibility to check in with one another and ensure we’re truly okay. By giving our attention and care, we can save lives and offer vital support to those who need it most,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson, a member of the Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis.
Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley) said, “Mental health care is healthcare, and you deserve the best. Everyone struggles at different moments in life, and sometimes those moments feel crushingly difficult to get through: when that happens, talk to someone you trust and text or call 988 to speak with a crisis counselor. I am so deeply appreciative to Assemblymember Pellerin for sharing her story, bringing us together, and authoring ACR 70 to recognize September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.”
What Advocates Have to Say
“Suicide is preventable, and through collective commitment, we can save lives. I’m deeply proud that, with years of advocacy and coalition-building, all 15 cities in Santa Clara County have now adopted suicide prevention policies — a unified declaration that mental health matters in every corner of our region. We are grateful to Assemblymember Pellerin and the California State Assembly for elevating this critical issue with ACR 70, designating September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in California,” said Rovina Nimbalkar, Executive Director of Santa Clara County NAMI.
California leads the way in prioritizing and normalizing mental healthcare, and the impact is felt even in professional sports. “The Giants are leaders within MLB in advocating for and supporting mental health and mental well-being. This is a topic the Giants are passionate about, and we strive to reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns and treatment,” said Shana Alexander, Director of Mental Health & Wellness & EAP of the San Francisco Giants.
Michael Beebe, Santa Cruz County NAMI Board President, shared,”The important impact of the 988 services and supporting crisis response in our communities can’t be overstated.”
“The Sacramento LGBT Community Center works to create a region where all LGBTQ+ people thrive; supporting health and wellness, advocating for equity and justice, and uplifting a diverse and culturally rich LGBTQ+ community. This year, the LGBTQ+ community has experienced increased attacks from a federal administration determined to remove lifesaving protections and resources. These assaults only deepen the already alarming rates of suicidality, depression, and anxiety that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender youth. This Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, we must fight to advance life-saving mental health resources for LGBTQ+ people and ensure that all Californians can live healthy lives as their authentic selves,” urged David Heitstuman, Chief Executive Officer.
Lauren Pulido (He/Him), Area Director of AFSP for Greater Sacramento and Central Valley Chapters, noted, “Suicide prevention cannot be done alone. It takes leaders like Assemblymember Pellerin, community advocates – including our 4,200 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention volunteer advocates in California, survivors, researchers, and every one of us here today to create a California where suicide is prevented, and where hope is always within reach.”
