DESCRIPTION

This presentation aims to address the critical and often overlooked issue of suicide within the Black community. Suicide is a growing public health concern, and understanding its unique implications in the Black community is essential for effective prevention and intervention efforts. The presentation will cover various aspects, including risk factors, warning signs, social determinants, and culturally competent strategies for prevention.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Discuss specific risk factors that contribute to rates of suicide in the Black community, including socio-economic factors, exposure to violence, and systemic racism.
• Discuss the importance of community-based approaches and the role of families, schools, and religious institutions in prevention efforts.
• Highlight the importance of building strong support networks for Black youth, including peer support, mentoring programs, and mental health resources.
• Provide information on available resources and organizations dedicated to suicide prevention in the Black community.
• Emphasize the importance of culturally relevant mental health education and self-care practices.
• Provide guidelines on how to implement effective screening and early intervention programs.

PRESENTERS

Sheritta Carmichael, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in biology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Carmichael went on to attend medical school at Mercer University School of Medicine in Savannah, Ga. She completed her residency training at Mountain Area Health Education Center. She completed her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Morehouse School of Medicine, earning her Board Eligible status in 2022.

Kamille Williams, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Spelman College before attending Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, for her medical degree. Dr. Williams then completed her General Psychiatry Residency Training and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Training at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Williams is an Early Career Psychiatrist with Double Board Certification in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry.

HOST

Annelle Primm MD, MPH is the Senior Medical Director of the Steve Fund, an organization focused on the mental health of young people of color. She is also a member of the Black Psychiatrists of America Council of Elders.

This webinar is part of the Health Equity Webinar Series, an ongoing collaboration between the Central East MHTTC and the Black Psychiatrists of America to increase education and awareness surrounding mental health in the Black community.

View past webinars in the series