HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 9132Resolution No. 9132
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto In
Support of the Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention
Strategic Plan and Approval of the City of Palo Alto
Suicide Prevention Policy
WHEREAS, the Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, in his 1999 "Call to
Action to Prevent Suicide," stated that suicide in the United States is a serious public
health issue and the most preventable form of death; and
WHEREAS,the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: Goals and Objectives
for Action promotes "increasing the proportion of family, youth and community service
providers and organizations with evidence-based suicide prevention programs"
(Objective 4.7); and
WHEREAS, Santa Clara County has lost an average of 140 individuals in recent
years to suicide, and many other County residents attempt suicide or express suicidal
thoughts, making this a significant public health issue; and
WHEREAS, almost all Santa Clara County cities annually have residents of all
races, gender, ages, and other social characteristics either express, attempt, or die by
suicide, affecting many members of our communities, making this a community matter
requiring collective action; and
WHEREAS, it is essential to support the Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention
Strategic Plan goals to (1) reduction of deaths by suicide, (2) increase awareness and
understanding of suicidal deaths and what to do, (3) improvedata collection, monitoring
and follow up, and (4) have residents respond to a person in need; and
WHEREAS, educating people on suicide risk factors, warning signs, and
protective factors and removing stigma about mental health treatment, recovery and
resiliency is enlightened action; and,
WHEREAS, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, along with the leadership
and staff of the Mental Health Department, the members of the Suicide Prevention
Advisory Committee (SP AC) and the many public participants, has sought to prevent
suicide by holding public meetings and discussion sessions and approving a county
prevention plan; and
WHEREAS, the City's Policy and Services Committee has approved a Suicide
Prevention Policy and Mental Health Promotion, which is attached to this Resolution as
Attachment "A";
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ATTACHMENT "A"
CITY OF PALO ALTO POLICY STATEMENT
SUICIDE PREVENTION POLICY AND MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION
The Palo Alto City Council and City Administration understand the concern that
suicide poses to its residents and employees/employers. Within that framework, the City
shall adopt suicide prevention strategies and intervention procedures. These policy and
procedures will be compatible with the Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention Strategic
Plan that was adopted by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on August 24,
2010. To meet these goals, mental health care shall be promoted and supported for
community members in need.
This policy shall advance current strategies and best practices as designated by the
Suicide Prevention Resource Center, a national agency promoting the National Suicide
Prevention Plan, and the California Suicide Prevention Plan.
This policy promotes planning, implementing, and evaluating strategies for
suicide prevention and intervention and encouraging mental health care.
This will be accomplished by City staff and residents gaining a better
understanding about the causes of suicide and learning appropriate methods for
identifying and preventing loss of life. The policy and procedures will include training in
identifying those at risk (gatekeeper training) and how to report suicide threats to the
appropriate parental and professional authorities.
This policy shall provide for active collaboration on similar work by the Palo Alto
Unified School district and other local and regional authorities, including Santa Clara
County government. This policy shall advance current strategies, including but not
limited to, parent education, youth outreach, mental health support of students, means
reduction, youth mental health screenings, and grief support amongst other actions.
The implementation of this policy (and related procedures), supports initiatives
and actions taken by the community task force, Project Safety Net, or any future similar
committee. Their activities will be agreed upon, implemented and evaluated.
A strong and effective educational program to promote the healthy mental,
emotional, and social development of residents and employees/employers including, but
not limited to, understanding of problem-solving skills, coping skills, and resilience.
Additionally, an easily accessible list of mental health and suicide prevention resources
shall be maintained.
The City Manager or hislher designee shall establish a crisis intervention plan and
procedures to ensure public safety and appropriate communications in the event that a
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suicide occurs or an attempt is made by an individual in the City of Palo Alto. The City
Manager will explore how this policy relates to the City's Emergency Crisis Plan.
Funds to implement this policy shall be provided, as available, and shall be sought
through private donations, grant applications and other sources of outside funding.
Additional funding will also be sought through partnership with the Palo Alto Unified
School District and other agencies with expertise in this area.
This policy and related procedures shall be reviewed annually to confirm
compliance and to make any necessary revisions.
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