TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the Department of Health and Human Services report on Suicide Prevention provided in a memo on October 16, 2018; direct staff to participate consistently in the LACDMH Suicide Prevention Network and its response to existing suicide prevention plans; increase the number of trainings available for Long Beach residents, businesses, and city staff; and report back annually on the progress and effectiveness of staff recommendations.
DISCUSSION
On June 19, 2018 meeting, City Council requested the City Manager to work with the
Department of Health and Human Services and Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) to
report back on current suicide prevention efforts in Long Beach, including the establishment of a
suicide prevention plan, the creation of a suicide prevention community task force, and training
for community members on intervention, procedures, and knowledge of existing resources. It
was also requested that staff identify implementation options and associated costs.
On October 16, 2018, the City Manager brought back the report which identified the current
methods Long Beach is participating in. It also identified the number of suicide rates per zip
code and percentages of injury type. In 2010, the death rate due to suicide in Long Beach was
11.1 for every 100,000 people, and suicide was the 1Oth leading cause of death according to a
2010 Health Department report. From 2012 to 2016, City's suicide rates had a 17.4 percent
increase. It is critical to ensure swift action is taken to create protective factors for prevention
and recovery.
Staff recommends partnering closely with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
(LACDMH) to ensure planning and services are accessible to the City of Long Beach.
Additionally, the report states that there is an "opportunity to request additional training". The
goal is to follow through with staff recommendations and include a report back annually on the
progress of our suicide prevention methods.
FISCAL IMPACT
It is anticipated that this request may have a fiscal impact of $100,000 or more if additional
staffing is required. This action should include staff reviewing implementation options and
additional associated costs per Council's direction.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JEANNINE PEARCE
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 2