Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – In Marin County, although men and boys constitute 49% of the population, they tragically account for 75% of deaths resulting from suicide and overdose. It is a stark statistic that the Suicide Prevention Collaborative's Men and Boys Action Team is addressing by raising awareness – and providing supportive resources about these preventable deaths this May Mental Health Month.
Throughout May, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division (BHRS) and community-based partners will host events for residents. Each event is designed to break the silence around mental health stigma, foster education, and build resiliency. The Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation in recognition of May Mental Health Month during its April 16 meeting.
A keystone event is a talk by former professional baseball player Drew Robinson, who will share his personal story as a mental health advocate and suicide attempt survivor on Thursday, May 9, at 5 PM at the College of Marin’s Diamond Physical Education Center (700 College Avenue, Kentfield). The free community event is co-hosted with Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Buckelew Programs, Marin County Office of Education, Equip Sports, College of Marin, and the Rotary Club of Novato. There will be a meet-and-greet session with Robinson, community resources, and prizes.
Robinson played for two major league teams before he attempted suicide in 2020 and lost the use of his right eye. He recovered and returned to pro baseball, wearing a prosthetic eye, with the San Francisco Giants’ affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. He retired in 2021 and works now for the Giants as a mental health advocate.
Along with Robinson’s powerful, first-person story, the Marin County BHRS and Buckelew Programs, which operates the local 988 lifeline call center, are releasing a 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline campaign that includes a series of personal stories by Marin men who talk openly about mental health, the power of hope, and the importance of connection to resources, such as the 988 Lifeline. The campaign called “Hope & Help” also has an interactive toolkit available for use by community agencies across the county.
“Mental health challenges are among the most common health conditions in California, affecting one out of six adults,” said Dr. Todd Schirmer, BHRS Director. “These challenges are often invisible. Checking in with each other, asking direct questions like ‘How are you feeling today?’ or ‘What I can I do to support you?’ can go a long way in building hope and resiliency in someone who may be struggling.”
While ‘Hope and Help’ is a campaign promoting support and tools to navigate well-being for people that self-identify as men, there are lessons in the program for everyone. If you are struggling, make a connection and ask for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if someone you know needs support.
See the full list of May Mental Health Month events and the Hope and Help partner toolkit on the Marin BHRS website.
If you or someone you know is in distress, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, go to 988lifeline.org or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Marin residents seeking behavioral health services can call the 24-hour, confidential Access Line at 1-888-818-1115. Marin BHRS provides outpatient, residential, crisis services, and hospital care addressing specialty mental health and substance use service needs of Marin Medi-Cal beneficiaries and uninsured residents.