Regional Suicide Prevention Summit Connects Counties, Strengthens Local Mental Health Response

Fresno County and neighboring jurisdictions convened a multi county Suicide Prevention Summit on November 6, 2025, delivering a free, full day program of training and resource sharing via a Zoom webinar. The session ran from 8 45 a m to 4 30 p m and was organized as a collaboration among counties to coordinate prevention strategies, strengthen local capacity and share tools for responding to people in crisis.

The online summit was posted on FresnoCares dot org and the event page included a registration link, contact information and organizer notes. Fresno County listed local contacts and venue administration addresses on the page, and people seeking more information were directed to reach out to Solomon Vang at solvang@fresnocountyca.gov. Fresno County updated the event listing on the day of the summit, underscoring the county lead role in hosting and publicizing the meeting.

Public health experts and local leaders view coordinated training as an essential step for improving outcomes in communities that face barriers to care. By offering the summit at no cost and in an online format, organizers sought to reduce financial and geographic hurdles, which can be especially acute in Fresno County and the wider Central Valley. Those barriers include limited mental health workforce capacity, transportation challenges, and disparities in access for low income residents and people in unincorporated areas.

The summit’s focus on cross jurisdiction coordination has implications for county health planning and emergency response. When multiple counties align on best practices, referral pathways and resource mapping, it can speed access to crisis services and help counties allocate limited public health dollars more effectively. For community organizations and providers, the training also created opportunities to strengthen partnerships with schools, first responders and behavioral health agencies.

For local residents the event offers practical benefits and next steps. Participants can gain training in evidence informed prevention approaches and learn where to direct people in immediate need. Community based organizations that serve marginalized populations may find new avenues for collaboration and support. The online format does not replace the need for sustained funding or local services, but it can build the foundation for more equitable care across municipal and county lines.

Fresno County organizers encourage providers, advocates and residents to consult the FresnoCares dot org event page for resources and follow up information. For further inquiries about the summit, Solomon Vang at solvang@fresnocountyca.gov is listed as the primary contact.