Assemblymember Berman champions suicide prevention training

Suicide prevention

Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) introduced legislation on Feb. 17 to permanently provide free online suicide prevention training statewide.

Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death for youth ages 10-25 in California, and rates have increased over the last two decades. Year after year, more youth die by suicide than motor vehicle accidents.

“Too many communities across California have been devastated by youth suicides, including my hometown of Palo Alto. We must do everything we possibly can to prevent these tragedies,” Berman said in a release. “AB 2003 will provide lifesaving suicide prevention training for all K-12 students, teachers, administrators and parents.”

Berman partnered with the Commission for Behavioral Health on AB 2003, which builds on a previous online suicide prevention training program offered to middle and high school students and staff from June 2020 to December 2024. Berman secured funding for that program through the budget in 2018. This training reached more than 20,000 middle and high school students and staff in California.

In addition to providing permanent training, AB 2003 will also ensure that data from suicide risk screenings are made available to help identify trends and disparities, inform targeted interventions and strengthen suicide prevention strategies across California. While many schools currently conduct these screenings, the results are not systematically shared, creating gaps in understanding student needs and limiting the development of effective, targeted support.

Flight’s Golden Age

The Hillsborough Auxiliary for Peninsula Family Service is holding its 62nd annual gala, “The Golden Age of Flight,” on Saturday, March 28, at 6 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt at the San Francisco International Airport.

Set against a backdrop of vintage aviation and hosted by Ellen Toscano, the Singing Auctioneer, the event benefits Peninsula Family Service’s early learning, financial empowerment, transportation, employment, mental health and older adult services for clients in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Tickets are $375 at https://bit.ly/46dsHl7.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.