I hope this message finds you well.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to spread awareness of suicide prevention and intervention resources in local communities to support the mental health and wellness of our neighbors. We are proud to operate the StarVista Crisis Center, a critical program in San Mateo County that acts as the main call center for our 24/7 Crisis Hotline (650) 579-0350 and 988. Our team has put together a great resource for the month (and year-long) for suicide prevention resources, stats, and myths and facts, which can be found here.

Our center provides suicide intervention services and programs for San Mateo County residents, including a 24-hour crisis hotline and educational presentations to the community and schools.

· The StarVista Crisis Center responded to 13,000+ incoming contacts during FY23-24

· In 2023-2024, 93% of Crisis Center staff surveyed self-identified as having lived experience with suicide, suicidality, and/or suicide loss.

· In FY23-24, StarVista’s Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotline was answered 24/7 by a team of 18 phone counselors.

I would like to give a special thanks to our Crisis Center funders and supporters: SolMateo, San Mateo County BHRS, City of Foster City, City of Burlingame, Sequoia Healthcare District, Peninsula Health Care District, and Gellert Foundation, and you, our incredible donors whose support is helping someone navigate a crisis every day.

Join us in celebrating our collective impact in helping individuals change their lives for the better by attending Changing Lives 2024: Unity Through Community, on Thursday, October 17 at 6pm at the Farallon Room at Skyline College. Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and beverages, stories of strength, and networking with fellow mental health advocates. I hope to see you there! RSVP here.

Sincerely,

Sara Larios Mitchell, Ph.D., MACP

CEO