In collaboration with the California Department of Mental Health, Calaveras County Behavioral Health Services is forming a new Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee to build partnerships to address local needs and develop interim strategies.

According to the state's Strategic Plan on Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in California, resulting in approximately 3,300 people losing their lives each year. On average, nine Californians die by suicide every day - among all age groups and across all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Rural areas have the highest rate of suicide in the U.S., particularly among older adult males and youth. In 2007, Calaveras had nine suicides. Eight were male and eight were from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, both of which are consistent with state statistics for rural communities. There were 12 suicides in Amador County last year.

For questions about the Mental Health Services Act or to join the new Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee, contact Christa Thompson at 754-2810 or cthompson@co.calaveras.ca.us. If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide, call the behavioral health services 24-hour crisis line at 754-3239 or toll free at (800) 499-3030.