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Recent data reveals an alarming increase in suicide rates among Black and African American youth. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that suicide rates among Black adolescents have continued to rise,

with a 30% increase in suicide rates for Black children ages 10 to 14 from 2018 to 2023.

This troubling trend was further highlighted by a 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which found that Black adolescents are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that, in 2024,

suicide remains
a leading cause of death
for Black youth ages 10 to 19

with these individuals facing a higher risk compared to their peers. This disparity is compounded by persistent barriers to accessing mental health resources and support within these communities. These recent statistics emphasize the urgent need for effective mental health interventions and increased support for at-risk youth.

Barriers to Access
Lack of Culturally Competent Providers

A shortage of mental health professionals who are trained to understand and address the specific needs of Black individuals.

Mistrust in the System

Historical and ongoing disparities in healthcare contribute to a general mistrust of the mental health system among Black communities.

Geographical Disparities

Many Black communities, particularly in underserved areas, lack easy access to mental health services.

  HERE'S What You Can Do  

volunteer with us!
volunteer

Here are some ways you can volunteer your time and talents with us:

Awareness Campaigns: Participate in campaigns to educate the community about mental health and suicide prevention.

Event Participation: Help organize and run events aimed at providing support and resources to at-risk individuals.

Peer Support: Offer peer support to Black youth, helping them navigate their mental health journey.

Write A Note
Write a Note, Save a Life

This section is dedicated to sharing messages of hope and support. Your words can make a difference. Please fill out the form below to send a message to someone who needs it the most.

Do you want to get involved to help spread awareness?
Do you want us to share this message with someone specifcally?
Please select your greeting:

Your message will be shared with Black men and boys struggling with mental health issues, reminding them that life is better with them here. Letters may be edited to maintain confidentiality of persons involved. 

what others are saying

Stand strong; your story matters

Dear Brother,
Life is a gift given to you by your parents, so when times are tough you have to stand through it and be strong because giving up your life because life itself is being hard and keeps knocking you down repeatedly you have to stand strong and keep going forward, many think taking the easy way put would fix things, but in reality it hurts all, the people around you, people who have had others in their life do the same thing, and the world itself, because it's lost another soul. So remember "This life. This night. Your story. Your hope. It matters. All of it Matters.
- Jamie

OUR collaborative APPROACH

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 Legacies Empowered has a strong presence in Black communities. We works to identify mental health needs in areas with high suicide rates among Black youth and young adults. By targeting communities that lack access to mental health resources and culturally competent clinicians, we can make a significant impact.

Reaching Black Youth & Families: Utilizing trusted methods and established networks to engage youth, including schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations.

Expanding Expert Networks: Providing training and services through a broader network of mental health professionals, ensuring cultural competence and accessibility.

suicide prevention
suicide prevention

Our Collective focus

Identifying Mental Health Needs: Focusing on high-risk areas and communities to understand specific challenges and requirements.

Educational Campaigns: Raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention through workshops, seminars and media outreach.

Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with community leaders and organizations to foster trust and cooperation.

OUR COLLECTIVE METHOD

Volunteer Involvement: Encouraging community members to volunteer and participate in mental health initiatives, spreading awareness, and providing support.

The Impact of Your Support

By working together, we can increase awareness, decrease stigma, and provide the culturally competent care that Black youth and young adults need. Join Legacies Empowered in our mission to save lives and empower our community.

Measuring Our Impact

Suicide Rate Reduction: Tracking changes in suicide rates within the communities we serve.

Increased Service Utilization: Monitoring the number of individuals accessing mental health services through our programs.

Volunteer Engagement: Assessing the level of community involvement and volunteer participation in our initiatives.

support
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Get Involved Today

Your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues. Here’s how you can get started:

Reach out to learn more about our programs and how you can contribute or volunteer.

Donate

Your financial support helps us expand our services and reach more individuals in need.

Spread the Word

Share our mission with your network to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.

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  • What can I do if I’m worried someone I know is thinking about suicide?
    Here are five steps you can take to #BeThe1To help someone in emotional pain: Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. Keep Them Safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference. Be There: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts. Help Them Connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional. If you live in Cuyahoga County, you can call the 24-Hour Suicide Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis, Information and Referral Hotline: (216) 623-6888. Stay Connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person. Download the Action Steps Flyer
  • What can I do to help prevent suicide?
    Take time to learn more or become certified. The ADAMHS Board offers a FREE suicide prevention training called Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), which teaches three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Learn more and sign up for an upcoming QPR training.
  • What are some resources for parents?
    Here are a few resources for parents: Life is better with you here Visit the ADAMHS Board free, confidential screenings page and click "concerned about my teen's mood" Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide Mayo Clinic Teen Suicide Prevention video
  • How prevalent is suicide?
    Click here to view data collected by the Prevention Research Center at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report on June 7, 2018, which read: "Suicide rates have been rising in nearly every state, according to the latest Vital Signs Report. According to the CDC Leading Causes of Death Report, in 2017, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,000 people. Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54. The American Association of Suicidology states that nationally, one person dies by suicide every 10.9 minutes. Tragically, Ohio had 1,836 deaths by suicide in 2018, which was an increase of 45%
  • What are some warning signs of suicide?
    The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide. Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun Talking about great guilt or shame Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain) Talking about being a burden to others Using alcohol or drugs more often Acting anxious or agitated Withdrawing from family and friends Changing eating and/or sleeping habits Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast Talking or thinking about death often Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy Giving away important possessions Saying goodbye to friends and family Putting affairs in order, making a will If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. More information can be found at Life is better with you here.
  • Are there risk factors for suicide?
    Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause. Many different factors contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. But people most at risk tend to share specific characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are: Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder Certain medical conditions Chronic pain A prior suicide attempt Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse Family history of suicide Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse Having guns or other firearms in the home Having recently been released from prison or jail Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. It is important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored. View additional information on suicide prevention.
  • I’m a member of the media. How should I be reporting on suicide?
    How we report on suicide matters. Please read these ten tips on how you can more safely report on suicide. Here are some additional recommendations for reporting.
  • What are protective factors?
    Protective factors are characteristics that help to adapt to different levels of hardship. Studies show protective factors act as a buffer against suicidal thoughts and attempts. Here are some examples of protective factors: Strong family support and relationships Community and social support Religious and spiritual engagement Personal factors like positive self-esteem and emotional wellbeing Factors like stable housing, income and employment The Cuyahoga County Suicide Prevention Coalition created this video highlighting the importance of community protective factors.
  • What are some other resources?
    Therapy for Black Men National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network The Black Mental Health Corporation Seize the Awkward Interactive Screening for College Students Center for Black Women's Wellness American Association of Suicidology American Foundation for Suicide Prevention American Suicide Prevention Foundation Cornerstone of Hope: A Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Adults Cuyahoga County Suicide Postvention Response Team Depression and Bipolar Wellness Alliance FrontLine Service LifeAct Mental Health America Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Glossary NAMI Greater Cleveland National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention National Institute of Mental Health National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) The Trevor Project Resources for Veterans Veterans Crisis Line VA Community Provider Toolkit VA Coaching into Care
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