Even One Is Too Many- Preventing Suicide among Black American Boys and Girls

Stop Suicide: Event One Is Too Many - Preventing Suicide among Black American Boys and Girls

 

Overview

African American boys age 5-12 are more likely than any other age group to succumb to suicide. It is imperative that we unite to both fully illuminate and mitigate this situation.

With rates nearly doubling between 1993 and 2012, suicide is now the third leading cause of death among African American youth (Bridge et al., 2015; CDC, 2014). For more information, please read the recent study written by Dr. Michael Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH, Executive Director, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University and his team of subject matter experts.

The Central East Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) will continue its efforts to increase the awareness, skills and knowledge of behavioral and primary care practitioners by providing training, position papers, infographics and other resources.

If you would like to receive information on upcoming events, please email the Central East MHTTC.

 

What Is Going On?

Using national data from 2001 to 2015, Bridge et al. (2015) found that suicide rates among 5- to 12-year-olds were about two times higher in Black children than White children. Nationwide, suicides among Black children under 18 are up 71 percent in the past decade, rising from 86 in 2006 to 147 in 2016. Researchers cautioned that while these findings call attention to an important trend, they are unable to provide an explanation for it.

Read the abstract.

 

Food for Thought

Schools are the institutions most consistently interacting with children and therefore can play and important role in identifying suicide warning signs and risk factors.

Learn more: What role can a school play?

 

Resources