The Department of Behavioral Health is proud to announce the launch of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month this September, centered around the San Bernardino County initiative: Promote Hope. Let’s Talk. This initiative encourages open conversations about mental health, connection to resources, and community empowerment through training.
“Through education, compassion, and connection, we can create a community where no one feels alone,” said Dr. Georgina Yoshioka, director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. “We invite everyone to join us in this mission, not just this month, but every day.”
Community members are encouraged to show their support for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month by wearing teal and purple throughout September. These colors symbolize hope and remembrance: teal represents mental health awareness, and purple signifies suicide prevention. Whether you’re attending a training, sharing resources, or simply starting a conversation, wearing these colors is a powerful way to stand in solidarity and help break the stigma around mental health.
Upcoming Suicide Prevention Trainings
Behavioral Health hosts a series of free trainings throughout the month to equip residents, providers, and community leaders with life-saving tools:
| City | Location | Date & Time |
| San Bernardino | Department of Behavioral Health 303 E. Vanderbilt Way San Bernardino | Sept. 11, 1 – 4 p.m. |
| Hesperia | Hesperia Police Department 15840 Smoke Tree St. Hesperia | Sept. 15, 9 a.m. – noon |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Central Park 11200 Baseline Rd. Rancho Cucamonga | Sept. 18, 9 a.m. – noon |
| Ontario | Mt. Zion Church 224 W. California St. Ontario | Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Request Free safeTALK and ASIST Trainings
Community members, schools, and organizations can request free safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) sessions by contacting the Behavioral Health Office of Suicide Prevention.
Email: DBH-OSP@dbh.sbcounty.gov
Website: http://www.sbcounty.gov/dbh
These evidence-based trainings are designed to help individuals recognize warning signs, engage with empathy, and connect those in crisis to appropriate care.
Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate San Bernardino County. Join us this September to take action for mental health.
Additional County Update News – September 4, 2025
- September is National Preparedness Month
- Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian connects older adults to resources for National Preparedness Month
- Foster youth receive free technology and training through the Digital Bridge Program
- New survey tracks progress of school oral health programs in San Bernardino County
- San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Mobile Defense Program Wins 2025 NACo Award
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- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Mount San Gorgonio
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