Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – It doesn’t take a highly trained professional first-responder to save a life. When someone is in mental distress, anyone with compassion can provide that emotional rescue line.
This September, Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) and the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative, and community partners, is inviting residents to participate in Suicide Prevention Month — a series of free events focused on well-being, connection, and hope. This year’s campaign, Connection Saves Lives, focuses on the role each of us can play in the workplace, at schools, and in our community to be a connection for someone who may be in distress.
“You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference,” said Dr. Todd Schirmer, Director of Marin BHRS. “Real connection starts with honest, compassionate conversation. Asking someone how they’re feeling and reminding them they’re not alone can open the door to hope. And reaching out together for support — like dialing 988 — can be a powerful step toward safety.”
Throughout September, a series of special events will be offered to Marin residents to bolster skills and foster connections in line with the campaign's goals. All are free and open to the public, with select events offered in Spanish.
In addition to events, Marin residents can expect to see this month’s campaign, Connection Saves Lives, prominently displayed throughout the county and featuring the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The goal is to increase awareness for 988 as a free, life-saving resource which is available via phone, text, or chat, 24/7. Trained counselors are available to support emotional, suicidal, or substance use distress.
Buckelew Programs, the county’s local 988 call center, received over 5,000 calls from Marin between July 2025 and July 2026.
“With resources like 988 in our community, we know that you can begin to feel better by making a connection with someone like a crisis counselor,” Schirmer said. “Seeking help is not a taboo that it may have been in the past and is a sign of strength.”
Events
- Thursday, September 17: Suicide Prevention Collaborative Meeting: Connection Saves Lives. Location: Center for Domestic Peace, 734 A St, San Rafael. Starts at 12:30 PM.
- Friday, September 18.: Beyond Suicide Prevention: Moving Towards Livability. Virtual. Hosted by Crisis Support Services of Alameda County. Register here for this event only. Starts at 1:30 PM.
- Monday, September 21: Preventing Firearm Tragedies in Intimate Relationships. Location: Center for Domestic Peace, 734 A St, San Rafael. Starts at 10 AM.
- Tuesday, September 22: Ask, Listen, Connect: Signs & Symptoms of Mental Health Challenge. Location: 3240 Kerner Connection Center, Room 109. Register here for this event only. Starts at 1 PM.
- Tuesday, September 22: Talk Saves Lives for Parents. Virtual. Hosted by Marin County Office of Education and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Starts at 6 PM.
- Monday, September 28: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training. Hosted by Buckelew Programs. Location: 20 North San Pedro, San Rafael, Point Reyes Room. Starts at 3:30 PM.
- Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 PM, Capacitación en prevención del suicidio: Preguntar, Persuadir y Referir (QPR). Llama el 415-858-5827 para rigistrarte y obtener el enlace para la reunion. En Zoom.
Get Involved
For more details about these events and the BHRS Suicide Prevention program are on the Marin BRHS website.
Marin BHRS is committed to offering support around the clock. Residents facing mental health or substance use challenges can reach out to the 24-hour, confidential Access Line at 1-888-818-1115. Marin BHRS provides a range of services, including outpatient, residential, crisis support, and hospital care, tailored to the mental health and substance use needs of Marin Medi-Cal beneficiaries and uninsured residents.