Asm. Valencia (D-Anaheim) Introduces AB 1956 to Strengthen Youth Suicide Prevention Efforts

• Eric Lopez
• Communications Director
• (916) 319-2068
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Valencia has introduced Assembly Bill 1956 to amend California's Health and Safety Code to include young men and boys in the Office of Suicide Prevention's priority populations.

"Young men and boys are sending us clear signals that they are struggling," said Assemblymember Valencia. "Suicide accounts for one of the leading causes of death for people aged 10 to 24, and 4 out of 5 youth suicides are male. The losses of these lives are incomprehensible, and we must focus our resources on addressing preventative strategies to uplift and protect our young men."

AB 1956 would formally add young men and boys to the Office's current focus populations, which include Native American youth, older adults, veterans, and LGBTQ people. The bill also requires a comprehensive report outlining evidence-based strategies to effectively implement prevention efforts for this demographic.

Males account for nearly 80 percent of all suicides in California and are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health treatment. By explicitly recognizing young men and boys as a priority population, the bill directs the Office of Suicide Prevention to develop targeted outreach, prevention strategies, and intervention methods tailored to address the specific challenges facing young men and boys.

AB 1956 is awaiting a hearing in the Assembly.

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Assemblymember Valencia proudly represents the 68th Assembly district which includes the cities of Anaheim, Orange and Santa Ana. Valencia chairs the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee.