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Fillmore proclaims September National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Summary
Mayor Christina Villasenor presented a proclamation recognizing suicide prevention in Fillmore and highlighted free local trainings; community advocate Maya Zumaya urged residents to take training and provided contact information.
Mayor Christina Villasenor presented a proclamation at the Fillmore City Council meeting recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and encouraging community participation in local training programs.
The proclamation noted that suicide “is a serious and preventable public health issue” and cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data as part of the rationale for the declaration. It also named Ventura County Behavioral Health and the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) as supporting local, evidence-based training programs offered at no cost.
Maya Zumaya, representing MZ Independent Consulting and local suicide-prevention initiatives, accepted the proclamation and urged residents to take available trainings. “Awareness saves lives. By talking about suicide prevention openly and compassionately, we remind those who are struggling that they are not alone,” Zumaya said. She described QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and LivingWorks SafeTALK as examples of free trainings available in the county.
Zumaya said the local effort trained “over 800 people” last year and that organizers are “on our second year.” She provided a contact email and phone number for groups or individuals seeking a training: mzhopeforlife@gmail.com and (805) 767-7569. Council members said the city will share the proclamation and training contact information via the city’s social media channels.
The proclamation was a ceremonial action on the council agenda; no vote or regulatory change was associated with the presentation.
The presentation closed with council agreement to publicize the proclamation and training contacts so residents, schools, faith groups and nonprofits can schedule sessions.
