Earlier this month, I had the honor of representing California at the 17th annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Alongside 241 volunteer advocates from across the country, I met with members of Congress and their staff to urge support for bipartisan, life-saving legislation focused on suicide prevention, veterans’ mental health, crisis stabilization services, and suicide-deterrent barriers on public structures.
Among the measures we advocated for were the Barriers to Suicide Act, the Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, and the STOP Suicide Act. Together, these bills aim to expand access to mental health care, strengthen suicide prevention infrastructure, improve support for veterans transitioning to civilian life, and provide timely intervention services for individuals experiencing suicidal crises.
For me, this advocacy is deeply personal and profoundly important to our local community. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people in Tuolumne County, yet many suicides are preventable when people have access to support, connection, and care.
The work being done in D.C. reflects the same momentum we are building here in California. Earlier this year, on March 18, I joined Andréa-Victoria Lisbon and volunteers from all six California AFSP chapters at the 2026 California Advocacy Action Day at the State Capital. Together, we met with state legislators to advocate for AB 1540 and AB 2003 and to reinforce the urgent need for stronger mental health and suicide prevention policies throughout our state.
What stood out most during Advocacy Action was the power of ordinary people coming together to create change. Survivors of suicide loss, veterans, mental health professionals, parents, students, and community advocates untied around one shared message: suicide prevention must remain a public health priority. These conversations with lawmakers help ensure that mental health services, prevention programs, and crisis support resources continue expanding for Californians who need them most.
AFSP’s California Chapter continues to play a vital role in suicide prevention through advocacy, education, survivor support, and community outreach. Across the country, AFSP’s 73 chapters help bring people together through prevention education programs, advocacy efforts, loss support, and community events that foster hope and healing.
Here in our own community, that mission continues with the upcoming annual Hope and Honor Walk in Sonora on Saturday, Sept. 12. The walk brings together families, friends, survivors, and advocates to honor loved ones lost to suicide, raise awareness about mental health, and remind those who may be struggling that they are not alone. Events like this help break down stigma, encourage open conversations about mental health, and strengthen the sense of connection that is so essential to prevention.
The strength of the suicide prevention movement lies in community — neighbors supporting neighbors, advocates speaking up, and individuals sharing their stories to help save lives.
One death by suicide is one too many. I urge our elected leaders and community members alike to continue supporting investments in mental health care, suicide prevention programs, and evidence-based interventions throughout California. Together, through advocacy, education, and compassion, we can make a meaningful difference and help save lives.
(Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Local resources are also available through the Tuolumne County Behavioral Health Department, which operates 24-hour crisis phone services at (209) 533-7000 or (800) 630-1130.)
Serena Orman, of Twain Harte, is the director and founder of Hope and Honor Walk, director and senior paralegal for Justice Collective, board member for the Sonora-based advocacy nonprofit Stand Up, Speak Up, Speak Out! Inc., and secretary of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Central Valley Chapter.