(PS9-94) Addressing Black Youth Suicide: The Importance of Participatory Research and Coordinated Responses

Suicide is a pressing concern in the Black youth community, with rates of 7.8 per 100,000 people, highest among ages 15-34 (Ehlman et al., 2022). Racism shapes Black youths' experiences, necessitating tailored support and coping mechanisms. Black youths lived experiences are fundamentally shaped by racism, hence efforts should be made to address racial inequities in suicide risk, provide culturally appropriate coping mechanisms and support tailored to the specific needs of the Black community. Current models for community prevention of suicide have not considered the cross-cultural variations in both suicide rates and exacerbating factors that may lead to suicidality. To address Black youth suicide more effectively, a coordinated community effort to reduce suicide is needed.

The paper will discuss the creation of a targeted coalition of leaders, members in the Black community, service providers, and academic researchers. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) model was used by this coalition, which is a collective research strategy that incorporates prominent community members, researchers, and other stakeholders in the study process. We integrated research knowledge and policy action to produce long-lasting, beneficial change while maintaining a community-driven focus.

A multilevel assessment identified historical and cultural influences on Black suicide, prioritizing youth inclusion, testimonial dissemination, generational support, and culturally sensitive mental health services. Initial strategic planning efforts of the coalition identified a clear mission and vision, which included goals of promoting awareness mental health inequities, removing stigma about help-seeking, and to improve the wellness of the Black community. Actions included outreach, mental wellness events, policy discussions, and engaging the community. Other actions included training local faith leaders, recruitment of more service providers of color, and showcasing Black artists' struggles through art shows.

The work of the coalition had tangible impact on the community. The coalition fostered increased communication among Black-serving organizations, developed public service announcements, and organized community-wide events like the Building Resiliency Event, which featured a children's fair, film screening, and panel discussion. A notable outcome of the work conducted resulted in a 60-day mental health awareness campaign. The coalition was able to train mental health providers, educators, faith leaders, and community members on recognizing the impact of trauma (including racial and historical trauma) and creating pathways for referral to formal and informal help resources. The work of the coalition is now incorporated into community wide efforts to support Black entrepreneurship, revitalize the part of the community central to the Black community in the city, and county wide efforts to reduce youth suicide.