Suicide Prevention in African American Communities

Suicide is a taboo subject that is often overlooked in minority communities. Although some communities in the past have had fewer incidences of suicide, research has shown that there has been an increase in suicide among the African American population. According to the National Library of Medicine, 1 African American die by suicide every 4.5 hours. Being able to recognize suicidal individuals who may show up in various settings is of critical importance in saving a life.

By the end of the training participants will be able to:

• Describe the problem of suicide in the African American communities.
• Identify 3 misconceptions/myths in the African American communities surrounding suicide.
• Examine barriers that can prevent African American families from seeking mental health treatment.
• Identify risk factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts/behaviors in African American youth.
• Identify protective factors that can act as a barrier against African American suicide.

Presented by: Natasha Daniels, LPC