For more information about what data is available for request, click here.
The Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), housed within the Department of Public Health, works to strengthen coordination, capacity and partnerships to address the root causes of violence, and to advance policies and practices that are grounded in race equity, to prevent all forms of violence and to promote healing across all communities in Los Angeles County.
OVP monitors the trends and circumstances of violent deaths affecting Los Angeles County to inform decision makers and program planners about ways to prevent and intervene on violence in the community, at home and in the workplace.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, promote prevention resources and support families and communities impacted by suicide.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In 2023, more than 49,000 people died by suicide and in the same year, there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts.
Here in Los Angeles County, the impact is deeply felt. In 2023, 875 Los Angeles County residents died by suicide, including 112 youth between the ages of 10 and 24. Suicide was the third leading cause of death among the County’s youth that year.1 For every suicide death, there are many more suicide attempts treated in hospitals and emergency rooms. During 2023, over 3,800 Los Angeles County residents, including over 1,600 youth, were treated for self-harm injuries.2
This year, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed September 8, 2025, as “9-8-8 Day” in Los Angeles County. The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides immediate, confidential support for people in distress. The Board also proclaimed September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. By recognizing these dates, the Board underscores the importance of raising awareness and encouraging residents to seek help when they or their loved ones are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Suicide is preventable.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) remains committed to working with our county and community partners to support education, awareness and prevention. Our efforts include:
• Implementing the Youth Suicide Prevention Pilot (YSPP). With funding support from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the YSPP engaged county and community partners in the development of strategies to rapidly identify youth suicide deaths and attempts, and to develop effective responses for youth and families after a suicidal crisis. While grant funding ended in 2025, the Department of Public Health continues to work with the Department of Health Services to enhance the One Degree digital referral platform to connect youth and families with mental health providers including those offering suicide crisis response, prevention, and postvention services. Thirty agencies are receiving closed-loop referral licenses, streamlining referrals and improving care.
• Supporting peer loss support groups. The Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) Youth Suicide Prevention grant is supporting the continuation of youth loss peer support groups in SPA 1 and SPA 2, which were initially launched with CDPH YSPP funds. These groups are actively recruiting participants, with the goal of starting sessions in mid-to-late September. Additionally, OVP is in the process of scheduling a series of capacity-building trainings and workshops focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention awareness, beginning in late September. OVP will kick off the series with a Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) workshop.
• Continuing the care coordinator initiative. A new funding opportunity has been identified to reinstate the CDPH YSPP care coordinator initiative at DHS Emergency Departments, offering a key opportunity to strengthen post-discharge care coordination for youth at risk who have received inpatient or outpatient treatment for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. Implementation strategies and potential challenges are currently being assessed.
• Development and launch of the "Los Angeles County Youth Suicide Deaths and Attempts Dashboard." This dashboard provides data on suicide deaths and attempts among Los Angeles County youth ages 10-24 years. The goal of the dashboard is to make data publicly accessible in an easy-to-use format to increase awareness and support future prevention efforts. You can access the dashboard through OVP’s Open Data Portal under the Youth Suicide Section.
We all have an important role to play in suicide prevention. By learning the warning signs and having open conversations about mental health we can help save lives. If you or someone you know demonstrates any of the following warning signs. Please access the suicide prevention and mental health resources the resources listed below.
Know the Signs
Pay attention to the following signs:
Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities
Choosing to isolate or withdraw from others
Researching or creating plans to die (including acquiring means such as medications, guns, etc.)
Talking about feeling hopeless
Saying goodbye or giving away possessions
Engaging in dangerous or extremely risky behavior
Increased drug or alcohol use
How to Respond
What to do if you are worried:
Ask them directly if they are considering suicide.
Express concern, including any warning signs you have noticed.
Listen carefully and acknowledge the challenging feeling they are facing.
Ask them about what has helped them cope in the past.
Share resources and create a safety plan.
Reduce access to lethal means.
Maintain a connection.
Practice your own self-care after difficult conversations.
Sources
1. Los Angeles County Annual 2023 Data File, assembled from California Department of Public Health Vital Records Data. Office of Health Assessment & Epidemiology, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
2. California Department of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch. EpiCenter: California Injury Data Online. Retrieved 08/20/25 from https://skylab4.cdph.ca.gov/epicenter/
Recent actions by immigration enforcement agents have caused fear and anxiety in communities across Los Angeles County. The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) stands in solidarity with immigrant communities during this time of uncertainty and upheaval. We are committed to upholding the core principles of public health, including equity, compassion, promoting wellbeing, and preventing harm by supporting communities across Los Angeles County regardless of their immigration status.
Detention, deportation and threat of deportation affect undocumented people, their children and family members who are often legal residents, anyone perceived to be an immigrant based on skin color or other factors, people with whom they share communities or schools, and our broader society. The health of our communities cannot be upheld, promoted, or protected when our immigrant and refugee communities are in fear of being detained and deported.
Now is the time to come together, speak up, and support each other. We are here. We care. And we will keep working side by side with our communities to ensure that every person and community is treated with human dignity. Towards this end OVP will continue to share information and resources with all immigrant populations and with our community partners; create and support healing spaces and venues; and support those on the frontlines to facilitate access to resources.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Red Cards inform how people can assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when immigration agents go to a home.
California Collaborative For Immigrant Justice
CCIJ utilizes coordination, advocacy, and legal services to fight for the liberation of immigrants in detention in California. CCIJ uses legal and advocacy initiatives, data and reporting, public health and immigrant detention and campaigns for liberation to strengthen and guide both grassroots and statewide efforts.
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA's Workers' Rights and Labor Legal Services Department works at the intersection of immigration law and employment law. Access immigration legal services for students, deportation defense, family immigration and unity, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Detention Support
What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
To locate a loved one that has been detained for more than 48 hours, visit the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.Please note: Online Detainee Locator System cannot search for records of persons under the age of 18.
LAUSD Parent and Family Academy Webinar Recording: Know Your Rights essential updates, real-life vignettes, and a family preparedness plan. English | Español
The Mobile Immigrant Services Clinic provides free, in-language support to immigrants experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity across LA County.
Provide emergency childcare, food, and transportation.
Shop for their groceries or run errands for them if they do not feel safe leaving their homes. Visit FREE food distributions at DPH Wellness Centers and offer to pick it up for them.
Help cover rent, utilities, or lost income.
Connect folks to legal aid and help gather vital documents.
Encourage and assist them make plans for what to do when a family member is displaced.
Offer mental health support, healing circles, and spaces to feel safe again.
Keep showing up! - Organize, advocate, and amplify their stories.
Medi-Cal & Personal Data
There are reports that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may have shared personal data, including immigration status, of Medi-Cal members with the Department of Homeland Security. The State of California has been attempting to verify if this occurred but has been unable to do so at this point. Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) continues to administer the Medi-Cal program, which provides health care access to over 3.4 million residents across Los Angeles County.
DPSS suggests customers consider a few things:
Eligibility rules for Medi-Cal and other DPSS-administered programs have not changed. If any changes do occur, you will be notified.
DPSS services are available remotely. You can reach them at 866-613-3777, or through the BenefitsCal website.
Familiarize yourself with the Know Your Rights materials they have distributed on social media platforms and at our public offices.
My Tree of Pride/Nuestro Árbol del Orgullo: A gentle art activity for children and kids at heart to celebrate their roots, express their dreams, and reclaim joy—especially in the face of anti-immigrant messages that can weigh on their hearts.
It’s okay if you’re feeling confused, scared, or unsure.
Do you want to talk about what’s happening?
Some people in our country are being taken away from their homes because of where they were born, where their families are from, or how they got here.
Families are being separated, and this is hurting a lot of people - including kids just like you.
This is not okay, and it is not how these issues are supposed to be handled. Everyone deserves to feel safe, to be with their families, and to have a place to call home.
There are many reasons why someone might come to this country. Most people want to create a beautiful life for themselves and their families, just like we do.
You may have heard the word ICE, which stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is the law enforcement agency that comes to send people away.
Many of our community members are working hard to protect people and keep everyone safe. Many people are raising their voices to speak up for change.
People like me are here to help keep you safe and informed. You can always ask questions. You can always talk to me.
It’s okay to feel big feelings about this. Scared. Mad. Confused. You are not alone.
You can help by learning, listening, and speaking up for what is right. Every voice matters - including yours.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention, in partnership with Southern California Grantmakers, is excited to announce 12 community-based organizations that have been selected to receive funding as part of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Community Grant. This represents the first time Los Angeles County has allocated funding of this scale, $2 million, for GBV prevention efforts. Awardees were selected through a competitive review process and represent a diverse and dynamic group of organizations committed to advancing GBV prevention, healing, and safety across Los Angeles County.
We sincerely thank all the organizations that applied and recognize the time, care, and commitment that went into each proposal. The overwhelming response to this opportunity reflects the depth of work happening across our communities to end GBV. We are honored to collaborate with these trusted organizations and other county and communities partners to advance this vital work.
The following organizations will lead innovative efforts across four strategic focus areas:
Healthy Relationships Education & Training
Alma Family Services (Supervisorial District 1)
$200,000
Inner City Visions (Supervisorial District 2)
$174,555
Haven Hills (Supervisorial District 3)
$119,047
Interval House (Supervisorial District 4)
$200,000
Child & Family Center (Supervisorial District 5)
$200,000
Engaging Men & Boys
Jail Guitar Doors
$199,993
The Prism Way
$173,837
LGBTQ+ Youth Leaders
Latino Equality Alliance
$165,883
Men's Health Foundation
$145,240
Minority AIDS Project
$164,922
Economic Empowerment for Women & Girls
Maternal & Child Health Access
$112,167
Sanctuary of Hope
$99,501
OVP is Distributing 60,000 Gun Locks; Free, No Questions Asked
On Tuesday, April 2, the Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention publicly launched an initiative to help prevent the devastating impact of gun violence including the tragedy of unintentional shootings – which disproportionately affect children – and gun suicides. As part of the initiative, OVP will be distributing 60,000 gun locks; free, no questions asked.
The locks, educational materials and community resources are available through this Gun Lock Request Form and six County medical facilities: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, High Desert Regional Health Center, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center, Olive View – UCLA Medical Center, and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.
“Far too many families have experienced the terrible pain of losing a child or teen-ager to gun violence,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Department of Public Health. “In a number of these cases, the simple act of locking and safely storing firearms would have prevented a tragedy.”
Dr. Ferrer was joined by several speakers at Rancho Los Amigos for the official, public kickoff of the gun lock distribution program, including Dr. Shannon Thyne, Director of Pediatrics for the L.A. County Department of Health Services, and two survivors of gun violence.
A total of 13 gun safety and community organizations participated in a resource fair at Rancho Los Amigos following the end of the formal ceremony.
Distribution of gun locks is part of OVP’s comprehensive strategy to reduce gun violence in our communities, which includes developing the 40-point Gun Violence Prevention Platform, providing education about various restraining orders, supporting federal and state gun safety legislation, a school safety initiative, and partnering with health care providers on discussing safe storage with their patients.
Youth Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention has released a new report, “Youth Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Los Angeles County,” which highlights suicide and suicide attempt data among Los Angeles County youth ages 10-24 between 2016 and 2020. The report includes general demographics, methods most frequently used, and suicide trends during the five-year period. The report also briefly overviews reported suicides and attempts during 2020, with the acknowledgment that there is still much more to understand about this unprecedented time. The report concludes with links to prevention resources that reduce stigma and normalize mental health as an integral component of health and wellbeing. Click here to view the report.
OVP supports the County’s LA vs. Hate Initiative led by the Human Relations Commission in collaboration with community partners. LA vs Hate is a community-centered creative campaign to encourage and support all residents of Los Angeles County to unite against, report, and resist hate.
If you are the victim, or witness of, a hate incident or hate crime you can report the incident/crime with 211 LA. Your report is confidential and 211 is not affiliated with law enforcement.
After extensive review and input, the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) Early Implementation Strategic Plan was adopted by the County Leadership Committee and Community Partnership Council in September 2020. Read more about OVP Early Implementation Strategic Plan here.
The OVP Strategic Plan is a live document and we welcome your ongoing feedback, specifically as it pertains to our priorities, goals, objectives and strategies. Please provide your input by sending an email to ovp@ph.lacounty.gov or email Andrea Welsing, OVP Director, directly at awelsing@ph.lacounty.gov. We hope you will provide your thoughts, comments and recommendations for the Strategic Plan and that you will continue to be part of our violence prevention and healing efforts as we work together to advance strategies to prevent violence and promote healing.
