California's Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services convened on April 17, 2023, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at enhancing youth mental health and suicide prevention across the state. Among the key announcements was the launch of a targeted youth suicide prevention media campaign, set to kick off in the fall of 2023. This initiative, part of the California Health and Human Services (Cal HHS) Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, will provide grants ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 annually to 30 to 50 community-based organizations (CBOs) dedicated to outreach and promoting campaign messages.

The Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) is spearheading this campaign, which aims to address the needs of youth at increased risk of suicide. In addition to the media campaign, the OSP is implementing a Youth Suicide Reporting and Crisis Response Pilot Program. This program will establish rapid reporting models for youth suicides and attempts, facilitating immediate crisis response and resource connections among schools and local health departments. Ten local public health and behavioral health departments have been selected to participate, with implementation beginning in July 2023.

Martha Dominguez, Health Program Manager at the California Department of Public Health's Office of Health Equity, also presented updates on a public education campaign designed to advance health literacy among priority populations, including Black, Latino, Native American, Asian Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ communities. The campaign aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders through culturally and linguistically appropriate messaging.

The budget for these initiatives is substantial, with $33 million allocated for macro campaigns and $15 million for micro campaigns through 2024. An additional $20 million is earmarked for both campaign types through 2026, alongside funding for formative evaluation research and administrative costs.

These initiatives underscore California's commitment to improving mental health resources and support for youth, particularly in underserved communities. As these programs roll out, they are expected to foster greater awareness and provide essential resources to families and caregivers, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of youth suicide in the state.