REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Adopting Council Policy 4.4.1 Establishing a Suicide Prevention Policy
Report
BACKGROUND
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and is the 11th leading cause of death in the State of California. The City of Sunnyvale has experienced the tragedy of suicide within its community: records show that 110 Sunnyvale residents ended their own lives from 2007 to 2016, 40% of whom where over the age of 55.
Statistical evidence indicates that suicide is a public health issue that affects residents of all ages, races, gender and other social characteristics. These incidents affect not only individuals, but also their families and the entire community, making suicide prevention a matter requiring community action.
In 2010 and 2011, Santa Clara County adopted and revised a countywide Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan. Best practices and strategies for suicide prevention are currently being employed by the Santa Clara County agency for Behavioral Health Services, the National Council for Behavioral Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the World Health Organization. Cities throughout Santa Clara County, including Palo Alto, Milpitas, Los Gatos, and Morgan Hill, have adopted resolutions establishing suicide prevention policies within their jurisdictions.
EXISTING POLICY
Community Vision Goal IV Safe and Healthy Community: To maintain Sunnyvale’s traditional high level of public health and safety, so all residents, employees and visitors feel safe at all times and in all places in the City.
General Plan Goal SN-3 Safe and Secure City: Ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community by providing effective public safety response and prevention and education services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
Suicide is a complex issue and a difficult discussion topic for most people; therefore, suicide prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among a broad section of stakeholders in health care, education, the private sector, government agencies and the media. These efforts must be comprehensive and integrated, as no single approach on its own can make an impact on an issue as challenging as suicide.
Behavioral health experts agree that suicide is preventable. There is also empirical data suggesting that people who attempt suicide are often in need of mental health services. The stigma associated with seeking mental health services is one of the challenges facing individuals and families who are impacted by suicide.
There are several strategies that can be implemented within the community to face this challenge, and to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. These include:
• Reducing access to means of suicide;
• Initiating a healthy dialogue about the difficult topic of suicide throughout the community, for residents of all ages, races, gender and other social characteristics;
• Responsible reporting by media and by City employees on social media;
• Reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and with seeking mental health care;
• Early identification, treatment and care of people with mental and substance use disorders, chronic pain and acute emotional distress;
• Training of non-specialized health workers, teachers, parents, etc. in the assessment and recognition of suicidal behavior; and
• Follow-up care for people who have attempted suicide and identification of resources that will deliver needed support to individuals and families.
This City of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) currently maintains a Critical Incident/Crisis Intervention policy. That policy addresses situations with members of the community who either express the desire to, attempt to, or succeed in ending their lives by suicide. It includes:
• Responsible reporting of suicide or attempted suicide to the community and the media;
• Raising Suicide Prevention awareness using social media;
• Distribution and availability of public education materials;
• Public access to prevention and intervention resources through social media, such as the Crisis Text Line;
• Ongoing Crisis Intervention employee training;
• Ongoing Critical Incident/Stress Management employee training; and
• Ongoing employee Health and Wellness training.
The proposed City Council Policy establishing the Suicide Prevention Policy is contained in Exhibit A to the attached resolution (See Attachment 1) and will expand existing City programs and practices by supporting the current strategies and best practices of the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services, the National Council for Behavioral Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the World Health Organization.
The proposed City Council Policy also supports the development and implementation of effective and relevant educational programs that promote healthy emotional and social development of residents. Programs may include:
• Opening the dialogue about the impact of suicide on individuals, families and the community;
• Helping individuals develop strategies for reducing stress, effective coping skills and effective methods for problem solving; and
• Fostering resilience in community members who seek assistance or who are identified as at-risk.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds to implement this policy may be provided when available, but may also be sought through donations, grants, partnerships, and other outside sources.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Adopting Council Policy 4.41 Establishing a Suicide Prevention Policy
Staff
Prepared by: Elaine Ketell, Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Shawn Ahearn, Captain, Department of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Chief Phan S. Ngo, Director, Department of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution