In just a few years, the suicide rate among young black people has increased by more than a third, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Supporters say the latest statistics reinforce growing concerns about the disparity in an already worrying trend.
“While this is a discussion that we know is important to all communities, we find that we need to specifically target our youth of color to ensure they get the resources, support and information they need. need in their communities,” said Kalisha Smith, clinical adviser at the Freehold-based Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.
A CDC memo in February cited a 36.6% suicide rate among black youth ages 10 to 24 between 2018 and 2021. Over a 10-year period, black students were more likely than Asian students, Hispanics and whites from attempting suicide, the CDC said.
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“We’re thinking about how we can focus on those communities and target them in a way that really speaks to them,” Kalisha said.
SPTS said caregivers and parents of young black people must prepare for an “uncomfortable conversation” about mental health.
“It’s a myth that asking someone if they’ve thought about dying or killing themselves implants that thought in their head,” Smith said. “We want to make sure we invite dialogue. We want our young people to tell us more.”
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Dino Flammia is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at [email protected]
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