Addressing the Silent Crisis: Rising Suicide Rates Among Black and Brown Youth
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveal a deeply concerning trend: suicide rates among Black and Brown youth are rising at an alarming rate, surpassing their peers and highlighting critical inequities in mental healthcare and community support. Behind these statistics are young lives—full of dreams and untapped potential—being lost to a crisis that too often goes unnoticed. Each number represents a child, a family, and a community forever altered by a preventable tragedy.
This is more than data—it’s a call to action.
There is hope. We can save lives by acknowledging the systemic barriers that perpetuate this crisis and implementing meaningful solutions. Expanding access to culturally competent mental health care, fostering supportive environments, and creating open dialogue spaces are essential. Together, we can rewrite this narrative and ensure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
Taking Action in 2025
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, we launched an initiative in the Fall of 2022 to combat the rising suicide rates among Black and Brown youth called “Taking Care of Us.” Our work is focused on raising awareness, implementing targeted strategies for suicide prevention, and providing intervention and postvention support to help heal impacted communities.
Our efforts are guided by the voices that matter most — those of the community. Stakeholders meet monthly to shape initiatives, create impactful resources, and provide direction to our work. Highlights of these initiatives include:
- “Taking Care of Us” – Celebrating resilience and fostering dialogue through social media and community events.
- Trailblazer Social Media Campaign – Amplifying stories of hope and perseverance.
- Annual Roundtable Panel – Bringing together experts, community members, and advocates for meaningful discussions and actionable solutions.
These programs are designed to celebrate resilience, foster community connection, and build a future where every life is supported and valued.
Core Tenets of the “Taking Care of Us” Initiative
- Connection: Establishing safe pathways for individuals, families, and communities to access culturally responsive resources and care.
- Provider Engagement: Equipping providers with the knowledge and tools to address the unique mental health needs of Black and Brown communities.
- Reducing Suicide Risk: Supporting programs that minimize suicide ideation and address lethal means restriction.
- Building Resources: Creating culturally competent guides to promote mental health and economic well-being for individuals and communities.
- Sustaining Resilience: Facilitating holistic growth to empower communities on their journey to long-term resilience.
Data Sources
