In a strong show of community solidarity and mental health advocacy, over 100 residents, civic leaders, first responders, and youth representatives gathered at San Ramon's Central Park last week to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The event marked a countywide dedication initiative aimed at spreading awareness of the vital mental health resource across Contra Costa County during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Hosted by the Leadership San Ramon Valley Class of 2025, the initiative seeks to cover the region with accessible information about the 988 Lifeline, a free and confidential 24/7 support line available to individuals experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis. The national service, rolled out to replace the former 10-digit suicide prevention hotline, connects callers with trained mental health counselors.
As part of this initiative, the City of San Ramon is installing 64 prominent signs displaying the 988 number across all city-managed parks. Danville is also participating by placing informational displays in park kiosks, community centers, and through their social media and communication platforms.
The dedication ceremony featured a host of local dignitaries, each underlining the critical importance of mental health access and community-based awareness. San Ramon Vice Mayor Sridhar Verose read a proclamation from the City Council, pledging the city’s continued commitment to supporting mental health and crisis services.
Danville Mayor Renee Morgan shared the town’s efforts and introduced members of the Danville Youth Council, who highlighted recent events such as their Day of Wellness, which engaged students in activities focused on emotional well-being and mindfulness.
San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Chief Paige Meyer also spoke at the event, emphasizing new initiatives that empower emergency responders to handle behavioral health calls with increased sensitivity and training.
The dedication ceremony also welcomed state and county leadership. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and District 2 Supervisor Candace Anderson joined in support, applauding the collaboration between government agencies, local schools, and nonprofit organizations. Their presence reaffirmed the significance of treating mental health issues with the same urgency and openness as physical health conditions.
Selma Bahrani, a student from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, spoke on behalf of local youth, sharing the emotional challenges faced by her peers and calling for sustained support and open conversations surrounding mental health in schools and families.
This event is one of many planned across the county as part of a larger effort to make the 988 Lifeline visible, accessible, and accepted within every community. The goal is to break down stigma, encourage early intervention, and ensure that individuals in crisis know exactly where to turn for help. As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, city officials and community partners will keep working together to amplify the message of help, hope, and healing reminding all residents that they are never alone, and help is just three digits away.
