Youth Suicide Prevention in San Diego County: A Data-Driven, Compassionate Approach

The San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council’s 
VISION is zero suicides in San Diego County.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in both the United States and San Diego County. It is a complex and deeply concerning public health issue that demands a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to prevention, intervention, and care.

The San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council (SPC) is committed to leveraging data to inform its suicide prevention efforts—ensuring that services are both accessible and targeted to areas and populations in greatest need. By analyzing trends and patterns, the Council identifies emerging risk factors and vulnerable groups, fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of suicide across our region.

The 2024 SPC Annual Report to the Community presents a broad range of data, including local, state, and national suicide rates, as well as demographic breakdowns and information by method. It also includes emergency department (ED) data related to intentional self-harm, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation.

While data is an essential tool in guiding our efforts, it is important to remember that behind every statistic is a human life—someone’s child, parent, friend, or neighbor. As we work to understand and address suicide in our community, compassion must remain at the heart of everything we do. Each of us has a role to play in prioritizing mental health and fostering a culture of care and connection.

To learn how you can get involved, visit the “Take Action” page in the SPC Annual report or explore the SPC website at www.spcsandiego.org.

Overview of Data and Trends

Youth suicide remains a critical concern, accounting for 20% of all deaths among individuals aged 10–24 in San Diego County as of 2022. While CDC data shows an overall decline in youth suicide mortality rates between 2013 and 2022, more recent local vital records indicate a slight increase from 2022 to 2023.

At the same time, emergency department visits related to suicide attempts, intentional self-harm, and suicidal ideation have risen steadily over the past five years—with especially sharp increases observed among female and Black youth. These trends underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies, culturally responsive supports, and expanded access to youth mental health services.

Between 2018 and 2022, suicide accounted for 20% of all deaths among individuals ages 10 to 24 in San Diego County—highlighting the urgent need for sustained investment in youth mental health and suicide prevention efforts. With 261 lives lost to suicide during this five-year period, this data underscores the critical importance of early intervention, community awareness, and accessible behavioral health services for young people.

The data from the California Healthy Kids Survey reveals a concerning increase in both suicidal ideation and chronic sadness/hopelessness among San Diego County students between 2015–2017 and 2021–2023. Notably, non-traditional school students report the highest rates across both indicators, with 20% experiencing suicidal ideation and 36% reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the most recent period. These trends highlight the growing need for targeted mental health supports and early intervention strategies, especially within vulnerable student populations.

Youth Suicide Prevention: A Multi-Faceted Approach

San Diego County has launched numerous initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by youth at risk for suicide. These efforts integrate school-based education, community outreach, data-informed strategies, and public awareness campaigns—all aimed at saving lives and promoting youth mental health.

Key Initiatives & Programs

Youth-Centered Messaging Campaigns:

San Diego County has developed the Own Your Mindset brand to provide tangible mental health tips and foster open dialogue among teens. This initiative complements California’s Never A Bother campaign, which encourages help-seeking behavior and destigmatizes mental health struggles.

Text Box: As part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), two new free mobile apps—BrightLife Kids (for children under 12 and their caregivers) and Soluna (for youth ages 13–25)—are now available to all California families. These apps offer one-on-one coaching, peer support, wellness exercises, educational content, and information about local resources and crisis services. Both are available for download on Apple and Android devices.

Later this year, Talk It Out SD will launch, providing tailored resources for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention to support youth across San Diego County.

AMEA Stigma Reduction Campaign – Led by the San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition (SDRCC), this campaign addresses mental health and substance use stigma within African, Middle Eastern, and Asian refugee and immigrant communities. It is part of the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Health Equity CYBHI campaign.

School-Based Programs & Interventions:

HERE Now Program: Fostering Safer Schools
Led by San Diego Youth Services, Lifeline Community Services, and South Bay Community Services, the Helping, Engaging, Reconnecting, and Educating (HERE) Now Program brings the SOS Signs of Suicide curriculum to middle and high schools. It has reached over 3,800 students, promoting awareness and early intervention. The program utilizes tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) and is expanding through the Youth Suicide Reporting and Crisis Response (YSRCR) pilot to new schools and regions.

COPES Initiative: Building Capacity in Schools
The Creating Opportunities in Preventing and Eliminating Suicide (COPES) program, launched in 2021 by the San Diego County Office of Education and funded by the Mental Health Student Services Act, strengthens mental health infrastructure in schools. COPES has hosted over 675 trainings and events, engaging thousands of students, families, and school staff with a focus on wellness, stigma reduction, and streamlined access to behavioral health services.

Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT)
Since 2021, the County of San Diego’s MCRT program has provided an alternative, non-law enforcement response to behavioral health crises. Starting November 2024, MCRTs will be deployed directly to schools, offering on-site crisis assessment, de-escalation, transportation (if needed), and up to 30 days of care coordination.

Screening to Care Initiative
This program aligns with the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework in schools across the County. It includes comprehensive screening to identify students needing support, followed by group interventions and referrals tailored to individual needs. The goal is to enhance student mental health and overall well-being through early detection and intervention.

Youth & Family Mental Wellness Tools

Accessing Help 24/7

  • Access & Crisis Line: 1-888-724-7240 (Free, confidential, 24/7, 200+ languages)
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Resources: