The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced a new action plan dedicated to addressing the rise in suicide rates among young Black youth.
Announced late last week, the plan focuses on six efforts dedicated to ensuring the well-being of Black youth and young adults in the state. Along with creating the COPE initiative to create suicide prevention efforts on a community level, the latest plan will also work on strengthening mental health services as well as raising awareness.
The action plan will continue efforts by creating additional restrictions on access to “lethal means,” establishing stronger protective factors, and generating data reports to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.
The DHHS will be working alongside community members, as well as Counseling on Access to Lethal Means and Mental Health First Aid, to complete key objectives.
“A community-led, ground-up approach is essential to address the increase in suicide rates among Black youth and young adults,” said the NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW, per a statement. “NCDHHS wants to ensure everyone has the support they need before, during, and after a personal crisis, especially groups that are disproportionately affected.”
Per the latest information released by the NCDHHS, nearly 37% of Black middle school students in the state reported having suicidal thoughts.
In the span of nine years from 2013 to 2022, 377 Black North Carolina residents took their lives, with the number of suicide deaths peaking at age 24 for both men and women. A 2023 report revealed that the rate persisted with the number of Black youth and young adults attempting suicide reaching an all-time high that year.
The research reflects a national issu,e as previous data released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reflected a growing concern over suicide rates amongst Black American citizens.
According to the report, suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst Black Americans aged 10 to 24. Overall, they exhibit feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness at higher rates.
Per the NCDHHS, contributors to the growing issues include barriers to access for mental health services, limited healthcare coverage and stigmas.
“In regards to medical care and prevention, effective cultural communication methods from providers, lack of access to a provider with a shared identity, and lack of cultural experience all impede care efforts or Black families and limit the number of providers they can easily access,” said the writers of the NCDHHS’ latest report. “These factors compound to create individual and systemic barriers to Black youth and families accessing and utilizing mental and medical health care services.”
