Gov. Newsom issues executive order addressing suicide rate in young men, boys

(FOX40.COM) — Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that addresses the rise in suicides among California’s young men and boys.

The California Health and Human Services Agency is to develop recommendations addressing suicide rates among young men while examining data on gender disparities to find differences in the delivery of services to then make changes.

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“Too many young men and boys are suffering in silence — disconnected from community, opportunity, and even their own families,” Newsom said. “This action is about turning that around. It’s about showing every young man that he matters and there’s a path for him of purpose, dignity, work, and real connection.”

Men in California, between the ages of 15 and 44, die by suicide at three to four times the rate of women, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Newsom’s office said that men and boys feel unable to ask for assistance or support due to the lack of mental health help and gender stereotypes.

This has caused higher rates of disconnection, suicide, drug use, crime and lack of participation in the workforce, with depression ranked the leading cause of death among the group.

“Women and men face different challenges — but there are systemic barriers we can take on together. Whether it’s the shortage of male mental health providers, outdated ideas about care work, or boys falling through the cracks in school, this Executive Order is a step toward real solutions,” Newson said. “Our young men and boys are facing a crisis of loneliness and social isolation that is showing up in their mental health, educational outcomes, future economic opportunities, and more. Raising healthy boys will take all of us—moms, dads, teachers, coaches, and mentors—working together to find new ways forward.”

The order aims to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and expand access to education, work and mentorship opportunities, Newsom’s office said.

The Newsom Administration is also implementing a variety of initiatives, including:

• California Jobs First: A plan to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation and access to good-paying jobs.
• The Master Plan for Career Education: Focus on strengthening career pathways, prioritizing hands-on learning and real-life skills, and advancing educational access and affordability and complements additional investments
• California Volunteers: Engaging Californians in service, volunteering, and civic action
• The California Community Schools Partnership Program: Transforming more than 2000 public schools into community hubs for educational, health and mental health services to students
• The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative: Create a larger and more representative workforce supporting behavioral health for young people
• Proposition 1: Modernize the state’s behavioral health care delivery system
• Mental Health for All: California’s plan to build a stronger and more equitable behavioral health system

More details on the order can be found here or here.