SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Hayashi (D-Hayward) announced today that in accordance to her bill, AB 509, Governor Schwarzenegger will establish the Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) under the Department of Mental Health (DMH).  By executive order, the OSP will be charged to implement a comprehensive and integrated approach to reducing the loss and suffering from suicide and suicidal behaviors on a statewide basis. 

“This is truly a milestone for mental health care in California,” stated Hayashi.  “I am so pleased to know my bill, AB 509, was the catalyst for the formation of the Office of Suicide Prevention.” 

The OSP will establish an advisory committee of mental health professionals to conduct a comprehensive analysis in determining existing resources and best practices now available to prevent suicides.   The office will identify populations of concern by collecting and disseminating information compiled from the Department of Vital Statistics and other sources regarding suicide deaths including, but not limited to, the manner and means of death, age, race/ethnicity, city of residence.  

“Through this newly created office, tens of thousands of Californians will benefit from a coordinated statewide program dedicated to one cause - suicide prevention,” Hayashi stated.  “With more than 3,000 Californians dying by suicide each year, I look forward to working with the OSP to address this critical element of our health care system.”

Additionally, The OSP will employ prevention training standards with an emphasis on underserved communities and cultural competency and report the effectiveness of various prevention measures periodically to the legislature and the public.