Overview: California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to address the growing mental health crisis and suicide rates among young men and boys in the state. The order aims to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and expand access to education, work, and mentorship opportunities. The initiative aligns with the state’s Mental Health for All initiative, which aims to build a stronger and more equitable behavioral health system. The order also encourages labor force participation to foster social connections and engage men and boys in meaningful work.
Breanna Reeves
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Content warning: This article discusses suicide and mental health.In 2022, suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black people, or African Americans ages 10 to 24, according to the Office of Minority Health.
The death rate from suicide for Black men was more than four times higher than for Black women in 2021.Over the last several years, health experts have sounded the alarm regarding the growing mental health crisis among youth, and have urged officials to take steps to address the issue.Gov. Gavin Newsom is the latest public official to take steps to address the suicide rates among young men and boys in a new executive order.
“Too many young men and boys are suffering in silence — disconnected from community, opportunity, and even their own families,” Newsom said in a statement. “This action is about turning that around. It’s about showing every young man that he matters and there’s a path for him of purpose, dignity, work, and real connection.”The order lists several coordinated statewide responses that seek to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and expand access to education, work, and mentorship opportunities. One of the responses directs the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) to develop recommendations to address the suicide crisis among young men. Additionally, CalHHS, with support from the Center for Data Insights and Innovation, will examine existing data on gender disparities to identify any gaps in service delivery.
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“Our young men and boys are facing a crisis of loneliness and social isolation that is showing up in their mental health, educational outcomes, future economic opportunities, and more,” stated Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Raising healthy boys will take all of us—moms, dads, teachers, coaches, and mentors—working together to find new ways forward.”
The executive order seeks to address the crisis of loneliness by encouraging “labor force participation” in order to foster social connections and engage men and boys in meaningful work.
According to the executive order, Newsom is directing the Office of Service and Community Engagement, in consultation with the Office of the First Partner and the Executive Director of the State Board of Education, to find opportunities to promote and enhance the participation of men and boys in service opportunities through California Volunteers. California Volunteers is a statewide program that encourages Californians to participate in service, volunteering, and civic action.This executive directive aligns with the state’s Mental Health for All initiative, which is California’s plan to build “a stronger and more equitable behavioral health system.” In doing so, the goal is to ensure every Californian has access to quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
If you or someone you know needs help, someone to talk to, is experiencing a crisis or experiencing suicidal ideation, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Additionally, the California Youth Crisis Line (1-877-846-1602) is a toll free, 24-hour, confidential phone line available to young people between the ages of 12 to 24, and concerned friends and family members.
Youth can also call or text the California Peer-Run Warmline (1-855-600-9276) and receive mental and emotional support from trained counselors who will listen and offer support.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) also has two free online behavioral health services platforms to support the mental health of youth and caregivers: BrightLife Kids for caregivers and kids 0-12 years old, and Soluna for teens and young adults ages 13-25. The platforms offer free one-on-one support with live coaches, a library of multimedia resources, wellness exercises, and peer communities moderated by trained behavioral health professionals.
Source: Black Voice News
