The mission of the Orange County Community Suicide Prevention Initiative (CSPI) is to prevent suicide by promoting hope and purposeful life in the community, especially among survivors, those at risk and their loved ones.
From 2000 to 2018, the Orange County suicide death rate per 100,000 residents increased by 25%. From 2014 to 2018, an average of 330 lives were lost per year, reaching an all-time high of 369 deaths in 2018.
In July 2019, through its contract and partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency, the Be Well OC Community Suicide Prevention Initiative (CSPI) was launched. CSPI, like all Be Well activities, is grounded in a Collective Impact framework that promotes collaboration, coordination, and alignment across community partners. Through this partnership, CSPI seeks to develop, enrich and integrate new and existing services and supports across the suicide prevention continuum and throughout the entire county.
Learn More >As a community-driven effort, Be Well OC will build collaboration among public and private organizations, community stakeholders and suicide survivors who share the mission of preventing suicide through suicide prevention activities that increase the hope, connection and purpose of those at risk.
Every step we can take to put barriers between someone’s thoughts of suicide and access to means (such as a gun) reduces the risk of a suicide attempt. Learn ways to prevent suicide by firearm.
Learn More >Find a comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ resources and hot lines to support you. Or, if you would like to support others, learn how you can get involved.
Learn More >Studies suggest that asking someone directly about suicide may even reduce suicide ideation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24998511/
Not everyone who has mental health issues have suicidal thoughts, and not everyone with suicidal thoughts have a diagnosed mental illness. Suicidal thoughts can stem from everyday stressors like unstable finances, work, or relationships.
Most suicides are preceded by noticeable warning signs which you can find at: suicideispreventable.org
This is usually not the case. A typical person who experiences suicidal ideation is faced with thoughts that lead to hopelessness, and death seems like the best option to end their pain.
Even if it’s subtle, it could be their cry for help. Visit suicideispreventable.org to learn more about suicide warning signs.