Tulare County Supervisor Honors Suicide Prevention Task Force and Declares September 2025 as Awareness Month

In a significant meeting held on August 26, 2025, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors focused on the pressing issue of suicide prevention, recognizing September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Month. The meeting featured a presentation from the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), highlighting the work of the Tulare County Suicide Prevention Task Force (SPTF) and the ongoing challenges it faces.

The meeting began with a presentation led by Dr. Jennifer Newell, co-chair of the SPTF, who provided an overview of the task force's activities and the alarming statistics surrounding suicide in Tulare County. In 2024, the county recorded 55 suicide deaths, a slight decrease from the previous year’s high of 58. However, recent data indicated a troubling uptick in suicides, with 24 reported by early August 2025. The majority of these losses were among men, particularly those aged 19 to 44.

Dr. Newell emphasized the importance of community collaboration in suicide prevention efforts, detailing partnerships with local organizations, including the Tulare County Office of Education and the LGBTQ+ center, to provide training and mental health resources. The task force has historically relied on funding from the Mental Health Services Act, but upcoming changes to state funding structures under the Behavioral Health Services Act could limit resources for prevention services.

A poignant moment in the meeting came when Marybeth Tippett shared her personal story of loss, recounting the tragic suicide of her son, Jace, ten years ago. Her heartfelt testimony underscored the profound impact of suicide on families and communities. Tippett has since become an advocate for mental health awareness, facilitating support groups for survivors and organizing fundraising events to support the SPTF.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Month, urging residents to engage in conversations about mental health and to utilize available resources. The proclamation aims to raise awareness and promote actions that can prevent suicide, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing this critical issue.

As the meeting concluded, supervisors expressed their gratitude for the work of the SPTF and the courage of individuals like Tippett, who continue to advocate for change and support others in their healing journeys. The discussions highlighted the ongoing need for effective mental health resources and the community's role in fostering a supportive environment for those in crisis.