Suicide Prevention for Black Individuals
Understanding the Crisis
In 2023, suicide was declared the second leading cause of death among kids and young adults in Ohio. Alarmingly, Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate compared to their peers from other racial and ethnic groups. Despite a decrease in the stigma surrounding mental health within Black and Brown communities, access to culturally specific care remains inadequate. The latest report from the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research (2022) highlights that existing prevention strategies often lack the cultural relevance needed to effectively support at-risk Black youth and young adults.
The Challenge
While there is an increased willingness to seek mental health services, many Black youth feel isolated and misunderstood due to a lack of culturally competent care providers. There is a significant gap in access to mental health resources and culturally specific care, leading to a lack of trust and follow-through in treatment.
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.
Our Approach
Legacies Empowered (LE) combines thorough research of evidence-based treatments with lived experience to develop culturally specific suicide prevention strategies tailored for the Black community. Our approach includes:
Culturally Competent Assessments and Treatments:
Providing individual and group therapy that respects and understands the cultural contexts of Black youth.
Focused Short-Term Therapy:
Initial crisis intervention and assessment of coping skills.
Continued Group Support:
Ongoing group therapy to provide social support and adapted interventions.
Key Components of Our Model:
Crisis Intervention:
Immediate support to address acute mental health crises, providing stabilization and initial assessment.
Assessment of Coping Skills:
Identifying existing coping mechanisms and developing new strategies tailored to the individual's cultural background.
Adapted Interventions:
Using culturally relevant methods to engage and support Black youth in therapy.
Social Support Networks:
Building community and peer support systems to enhance the effectiveness of individual therapy.
Community Collaboration
Legacies Empowered has a strong presence in Black communities. Our coalition 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.
Our Collaborative Approach:
Identifying Mental Health Needs:
Focusing on high-risk areas and communities to understand specific challenges and requirements.
Reaching Black Youth:
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.
Strategies for Effective Collaboration:
Community Engagement:
Building strong relationships with community leaders and organizations to foster trust and cooperation.
Educational Campaigns:
Raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention through workshops, seminars, and media outreach.
Volunteer Involvement:
Encouraging community members to volunteer and participate in mental health initiatives, spreading awareness, and providing support.
How You Can Help
We need your help to make a difference. Here are ways you can get involved:
Volunteering Opportunities:
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, 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 those who need it most.
Note: Your message will be shared with Black men and boys struggling with mental health issues, reminding them that life is better with them here.
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.
Get Involved Today
Your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of Black youth and young adults struggling with mental health issues. Here’s how you can get started:
Contact Us
Reach out to learn more about our programs and how you can contribute.
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.