CDCR highlights Suicide Prevention Week

September 27, 2024

Dove release at Valley State Prison.

Staff and the incarcerated population across CDCR and CCHCS promoted Suicide Prevention Week and Month to raise awareness.

Valley State Prison highlights suicide prevention

Suicide awareness and 9/11 event with breakfast for staff at Valley State Prison. — Breakfast items for staff at Valley State Prison.

Staff working the grill at Valley State Prison. — Breakfast items for staff at Valley State Prison.

Valley State Prison recently held a staff event in honor of suicide awareness and prevention, while also commemorating the tragic events of 9/11. Throughout the day management served breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all staff, fostering a sense of unity and care. Informational booths provided resources, and a special area was set up to allow staff to reflect and relax.

A solemn moment of silence was observed, followed by the symbolic release of doves, honoring the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks.

Warden (A) O. Bailey emphasized the dual significance of the event.

“We remember the incredible bravery and loss during 9/11, but we must also continue to look out for one another every day. By standing together, we can help prevent the tragedy of suicide among our ranks,” the warden said.

Acting Community Resource Manager T. Costa said collaboration made the event possible.

“It was inspiring to see everyone come together. Staff from the Warehouse, Plant Operations, Mental Health, Custody, Medical, Community Resource Department, Food Services, Business Services, Division of Rehabilitative Programs, Education, Executive Management, Employees Association and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association all worked together on the event,” Costa said. “This teamwork ensured the event was both meaningful and impactful.”

Valley State Prison’s commitment to remembrance and staff well-being shone throughout the day.

Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum

North Kern unites for Suicide Prevention message

A staff member wearing a shirt with the message: "To the person behind me, tomorrow needs you, remember that!" — Messages in chalk.

National Suicide Prevention Week 2024. — Messages in chalk.

From Sept. 9-13, North Kern State Prison staff and the incarcerated population united in a display of teamwork to increase awareness on mental health.

North Kern recognizes many people are impacted by suicide in some way and struggle with stigma-related hardships.

“We encourage healthy, professional communication and collaboration amongst staff and incarcerated people,” according to event organizers. “Suicide is the only cause of death that is preventable. Together, we encourage people to embrace their humanness, discuss challenging topics, reach out and ask for help when needed. We remind them life is precious and worth living. We lean on one another and instill hope and emotional support as we are stronger together.”

Group photo at North Kern State Prison. — Staff from all areas of the prison contributed to a successful event.

North Kern participated in many activities throughout the week including a Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk with the incarcerated population. There was an art and poetry contest for staff and the incarcerated population along with sidewalk chalk quotes with encouraging messages. Staff also distributed stickers, bracelets and pins throughout the institution as a reminder there is always hope.

Submitted by Lt. J. Hooten
North Kern State Prison

Calipatria gets creative for Suicide Prevention Month

Incarcerated people and staff in front of a mural. — Suicide Awareness mural at Calipatria State Prison.

Facility D staff and incarcerated population at Calipatria State Prison remembered those lost to suicide during a ceremony Sept. 18.

Staff and the population united to recognize the importance of raising awareness about suicide. Throughout the month of September, and with the assistance of the Peer Support Specialist group, the incarcerated population was able to write a loved one’s name or some kind words on purple ribbons and attach them to a mural at the entrance to the facility.

During Suicide Prevention Month, Facility D created a memorial poster in remembrance of those they have lost to suicide. This collaborative effort involved custody, mental health, non-custody and the incarcerated population.

Peer Support Specialists took the lead by passing out purple ribbons and explaining the instructions and reasoning for the event. Once all ribbons were collected, the facility’s vision started to come to life.

“Reducing the stigma on mental health takes more than one person, it takes a community. To build a community, it is important to understand common ground. Sharing in each other’s pain helps share in each other’s hope,” said Psychologist Galaviz-Olivas

The mural at Calipatria

Suicide Awareness mural at Facility D inside Calipatria State Prison.

The mural was big, measuring 8 x 12 feet, sporting the purple and teal colors of suicide awareness.

During the yard sessions, a short pause and announcement was given by the facility captain followed by a 60 second moment of silence to remember those who have been lost to suicide.

Facility D Capt. L. Solomon said it’s an emotional month for those who’ve been impacted by suicide.

“Our memorial poster has over 500 names of loved ones provided from the incarcerated population on each surrounding ribbon. It is very heartbreaking when one is lost and even more when one is lost too soon,” Solomon said.

Correctional Officer M. Sandoval said the memorial poster is important.

“We all deal with challenges in life. It takes strength and power to keep going, but you are so much stronger than you know. This poster is a splash of life to remind us not to give up,” he said.

Incarcerated person Joel Mariscal offered words of encouragement.

“Be a bumble bee. They have little wings and get tired so some people think they can’t fly very long. They just need to find their flower because that’s what matters. Life matters,” he said.

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe

RJD unites for Staff Suicide Prevention

Painted rocks with anti-suicide messages are displayed in a rock garden at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California. — On-going Suicide Prevention rock garden at RJD.

Rocks painted with messages of hope. — On-going Suicide Prevention rock garden at RJD.

RJ Donovan Correctional Facility hosted its annual Staff Suicide Prevention event Sept. 10. This event brings staff together to learn about available resources within CDCR and in the community to support wellness and promote connections and partnership. Representatives from Peer Support, Office of Employee Wellness, Chaplain Corps, Love on a Leash, the local chaplain, and Monster Energy Drink were on site to participate.

In addition to learning about available resources, staff had the opportunity to participate in prize drawings and enjoy snacks and refreshments provided through donations. Donations included Monster Energy drinks, grilled hotdogs, and freshly made popcorn.

Additionally, staff participated in the ongoing suicide prevention rock garden project which began in 2023. This ongoing art project remains on display year-round.

Story written by Dr. Sonia Bahro, Chief of Mental Health
Submitted by Lt. A. Garvey

CDCR institutions promote mental wellness

San Quentin Mental Wellness Week performers featured image.

San Quentin hosts Mental Wellness Week

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s Health Care Administration launched a weeklong celebration in honor of Mental Wellness Week. Read the full story submitted by Lt. G. Berry.

A group prepare to walk the track at California Men's Colony. — Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Walk-a-Thon at CMC.

California Men’s Colony hosts Time for Hope

A two-day event inside California Men’s Colony (CMC) at San Luis Obispo offered hope and healing as part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Read the story submitted by N. Gomez, Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker.