Overview

• The executive order takes effect immediately and tasks the California Health and Human Services Agency and other departments with outlining detailed plans for reducing suicide rates among young men and boys.
• The directive requires a review of current mental health services to identify gender disparities, boost recruitment of male teachers and counselors, and explore possible adjustments to kindergarten entry for boys.
• No additional funding is provided; instead, the administration will reallocate and reprioritize existing resources to expand mentorship, career training and community support for male youths.
• The initiative responds to CDC data showing men account for 80% of U.S. suicides and to evidence of rising suicide rates among California’s young male population despite the state’s overall rate remaining below the national average.
• Newsom’s move also addresses a decline in male voter support for Democrats from 48% in 2020 to 42% in 2024 and builds on earlier outreach efforts such as the Speaking with American Men program.