Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Address Mental Health Crisis Among Young Men and Boys in California
SACRAMENTO, July 30, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — The Office of the Governor of California, has announced a new executive order from Governor Gavin Newsom aimed at addressing the mental health crisis among young men and boys across the state.
The order, issued Thursday, calls for a coordinated response across multiple state agencies to tackle rising rates of suicide, social disconnection, and limited access to education, employment, and behavioral health services among young male Californians.
According to the executive order, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) has been directed to develop specific recommendations focused on suicide prevention and to identify service delivery gaps through data analysis in collaboration with the Center for Data Insights and Innovation.
The Office of Service and Community Engagement has also been tasked with identifying opportunities for engaging more young men and boys in service programs via California Volunteers. Additionally, the order calls for greater male representation in education by directing the State Board of Education and related agencies to explore recruitment strategies for male teachers and counselors.
“Too many young men and boys are suffering in silence — disconnected from community, opportunity, and even their own families. This action is about turning that around. It’s about showing every young man that he matters and there’s a path for him of purpose, dignity, work, and real connection,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“Women and men face different challenges — but there are systemic barriers we can take on together. Whether it’s the shortage of male mental health providers, outdated ideas about care work, or boys falling through the cracks in school, this Executive Order is a step toward real solutions. Our young men and boys are facing a crisis of loneliness and social isolation that is showing up in their mental health, educational outcomes, future economic opportunities, and more. Raising healthy boys will take all of us—moms, dads, teachers, coaches, and mentors—working together to find new ways forward,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Citing state data, the Governor’s Office reported that men aged 15–44 in California die by suicide at rates three to four times higher than women, with firearm use being a major contributing factor. The administration also noted that nearly one in four men under 30 reports having no close friends—a fivefold increase since 1990.
In tandem with the executive order, the state also announced $20 million in new funding through the California Apprenticeship Council to expand training programs in the building trades. These programs are part of the Master Plan for Career Education, which promotes job readiness without requiring a four-year college degree.
The executive order ties into several existing state initiatives, including California Jobs First, the Mental Health for All plan, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, and the California Community Schools Partnership Program.
For more information, visit www.gov.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
