A coalition of local leaders in schools, mental health, crisis intervention, law enforcement and government are utilizing Measure K funds to prevent suicide in our schools and community. This unprecedented effort includes a Suicide Prevention Protocol, which incorporates a suicide prevention toolkit that helps identify students at-risk of self-harm and suicide, and a Threat Assessment Protocol which help school staff identify and respond to students who are acting out aggressively, which together build support for at risk students in our education system. Preventing youth suicide is one of the goals outlined in San Mateo County’s 2017 – 2020 Suicide Prevention Roadmap. 

The $15.6 million in funds invested by the Board of Supervisors since 2013 have yielded tangible results in prevention and early intervention.

Nearly 2,000 individuals have been trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, more students have access to mental health services, and adults concerned about a child can learn skills and receive support through the Parent Project.   

For more on how San Mateo County is providing help and hope to youth in crisis, see the full story on the County’s Measure K website.