California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1956, a bipartisan measure aimed at strengthening suicide prevention efforts specifically for boys and young men. The new law formally adds boys and men as a focus group for the California Office of Suicide Prevention, addressing disproportionately high rates of suicide within this demographic.
AB 1956, authored by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, builds upon Governor Newsom’s July 2025 executive order and the "Path & Purpose" initiative. This broader effort tackles challenges faced by young men, including mental health, social disconnection, education, employment, and access to mentorship, expanding support through programs like Soluna and BrightLife Kids.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of the legislation, saying, "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."
Assemblymember Valencia, Chair of the Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men, highlighted the need for targeted outreach. "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," he said.
Data from a March 2026 California Department of Public Health analysis underscores the urgency, revealing that men die by suicide at 3.6 times the rate of women and are less likely to seek help. From 2019 to 2023, the suicide rate among California boys aged 10 to 19 was twice that of girls in the same age group. Additionally, men are over three times more likely to die from drug overdose, and male veterans account for 15% of suicide deaths in California despite being only 2.9% of the population.
California's comprehensive approach to mental health, outlined in the multibillion-dollar Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health, focuses on prevention, connection, and early intervention. This strategy aims to provide all young people with access to support, relationships, and opportunities to help them thrive, while also developing targeted strategies for at-risk populations.