California: Governor Newsom signs bipartisan measure to strengthen suicide prevention efforts for boys, young men

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Aug 28, 2026

Governor Newsom signs bipartisan measure to strengthen suicide prevention efforts for boys, young men

What you need to know: Building on his previous efforts to support the behavioral health challenges facing young men and boys, Governor Newsom signs AB 1956, formally adding boys and men as a group of focus for the California Office of Suicide Prevention.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 1956 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) to focus greater attention on suicide prevention efforts for boys and young men.

This bipartisan bill builds on Governor Newsom's July 2025 executive order directing a coordinated statewide response to the growing challenges facing boys and men — including mental health, social disconnection, education, employment, and access to meaningful mentorship.

Through this Path & Purpose initiative, California is addressing the factors that can leave boys and young men vulnerable to crisis — expanding access to free behavioral health support through Soluna and BrightLife Kids, strengthening school-linked mental health services and crisis response, and connecting young men to mentorship, education, employment, and service through efforts like the Men's Service Challenge. Together with AB 1956, this work recognizes that suicide prevention begins long before a moment of crisis — by reducing the stigma around seeking help and helping boys and young men build connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Too many boys and men are struggling in silence. We have to meet young people where they are, break down the stigma around asking for help, and make sure they have the relationships, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. AB 1956 builds on the work we've already begun to make sure boys and young men are seen, supported, and connected before a crisis becomes a tragedy.

Governor Gavin Newsom

As this population faces disproportionately high rates of suicide, AB 1956 directs the Office of Suicide Prevention to explicitly recognize boys and young men in the state's suicide prevention strategy.

"As a former coach and educator, I saw up close the difference it makes when a young man has someone in his corner, and I saw what happens when he does not," said Assemblymember Valencia, Chair of the Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men. "What I also learned is that the ones struggling the most will often not say so out loud. They are not looking for attention and they are not asking for help. That does not mean they do not need it. This bill asks our state to meet them where they are, with outreach built for how young men actually live. Every young man in California deserves purpose and direction. I appreciate Governor Newsom for signing AB 1956 into law and I look forward to continuing this critical work."

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The data underscore the urgency. A March 2026 analysis by the California Department of Public Health found that boys and men in California face distinct and disproportionately high risks.

• Men die by suicide at 3.6x the rate of women and are far less likely to seek help.
• From 2019 to 2023, the suicide rate among California boys ages 10 to 19 was twice the rate among girls of the same age.
• Men are more than 3x as likely to die from drug overdose.
• Male veterans account for 15% of suicide deaths in California, despite being just 2.9% of the population.
• Nearly 1 in 4 young men report having no close friends.

California's approach to mental health recognizes that effective prevention must respond to different patterns — strengthening support for all young people while developing targeted strategies to reach populations at greatest risk.

Building on California's work to support boys and men

The Governor's executive order last year calls for concrete action across state government to improve mental health and help-seeking behavior among boys and men, reduce stigma, expand access to behavioral health services, and create stronger pathways to education, work, service and mentorship. Earlier this year, the Governor convened national and state leaders to advance solutions for boys and young men.

The historic investments the Governor has made into California's youth behavioral health system are outlined in the multibillion dollar Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health, uniting the efforts of health programs, education, and social services to meet kids where they are, provide greater access to mental health support, and contribute toward thriving, successful youth.

California's approach focuses on prevention, connection, and early intervention — making sure young people have access to the support, relationships, and opportunities that can help them thrive.

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