Programs & Initiatives
Current Programs
Comprehensive Suicide Prevention (CSP) Program
CDPH’s Injury and Violence Prevention Branch is one of 24 recipients of the CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention cooperative agreement to implement the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention (CSP) Program. The program works with counties that have high suicide and self-harm rates by providing training, technical assistance and funding to implement evidence-based strategies. California's CSP Program focus areas include promoting safe storage of firearms and medications (lethal means safety), training healthcare providers to identify and support at-risk individuals, and expanding access to care through tele-mental health services (PDF) in underserved areas. The goal is to reduce suicide and self-harm rates by 10% in participating counties while building sustainable, community-based prevention systems.
Native Youth Suicide Prevention
In September, 2025, the Office of Suicide Prevention sought applications from Tribal entities to implement and evaluate community-level strategies for Native youth suicide prevention via
Request for Applications (RFA) #25-10360 (PDF). The focus of this initiative is fostering evidence-informed youth suicide prevention efforts through culturally anchored strategies that reflect the values, practices, histories, trauma, lived experiences, and unique political status of Native and Tribal communities. The RFA process closed in November, 2025. Awardee announcements are pending.
Past Programs
Youth Suicide Prevention Media and Outreach Campaign – Never a Bother
Never a Bother is a youth co-created, multicultural suicide prevention campaign for young people up to age 25 in California, created as part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (2022-2025). It provides resources for youth, caregivers, and allies while promoting messages of hope and connection through media, social platforms, and community events. Never a Bother resources remain available for ongoing use.
Youth Suicide Reporting and Crisis Response Pilot Project
The Youth Suicide Reporting and Crisis Response Pilot Project supported 10 counties across California in building timely, coordinated systems to identify and respond to youth suicide attempts and deaths. As part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (2022-2025), the project focused on improving real-time reporting and strengthening crisis response services through cross-sector partnerships, staff training, and evidence-based practices. This pilot laid the groundwork for a more responsive, data-driven local model for youth suicide prevention and post-crisis care, while also demonstrating how system mapping can help identify gaps, clarify roles, and strengthen coordination across sectors. For more information, read the
Frontiers in Public Health article, 2025.