Suicide is a public health concern in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO, 1976) defines suicide as “any act by which an individual causes harm or injury to him/herself, with a variable degree of an intent to die.” According to the CDC, in 2020, 45,979 people died by suicide in the US. That is one death by suicide every 11 minutes. Although suicide impacts all ethnicities and genders, disparities are evident in rates among the most vulnerable groups, including Latinos and Non-Latino American Indian/Alaska Natives. In 2020, more than 4,500 Latinos died by suicide and rates among Latino youths have been particularly concerning. This data also indicates that the racial/ethnic groups with the highest suicide rates were non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Natives and non-Hispanic Whites. In 2019, one in six (17%) of Hispanic/Latino high school students had serious thoughts of suicide, including nearly one in four (23%) females and 11% of males. Studies indicate that Latino cultural aspects, including familial and community connections, may be key in suicide prevention.

Furthermore, culturally grounded and informed approaches and traditional healing practices have been found to be effective working families/communities who grieve a loss by suicide. This SUMMIT will address vulnerabilities to suicide risk among Latino youths and culturally responsive approaches to prevention. Presenters will also discuss traditional healing practices to work with families and communities suffering from suicide-related losses.

Goal: Increase the ability of mental health providers to respond to suicide-related risks in Latino and Non-Latino American Indian/Alaska Native youth. 

Objectives:

1. Identify disparities in suicide attempt rates among Latino youths and Non-Latino American Indian/Alaska natives, considering intersecting variables.
2. Discuss culturally responsive, traditional approaches to preventing suicide attempts.
3. Address familial and community connections (cultural considerations) and how to integrate them in interventions with Latino youths.
4. Examine the importance of traditional healing practices in working with bereaved communities and families.

This event is a collaboration with the National American Indian and Alaska Native MHTTC and the New Mexico Highlands University. CEUs credits will be provided. JR Romero & Associate and kleradé will sponsor continental breakfast and lunch.