NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan Launched by NCDHHS

By Cash Michaels –

According to the North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Services, there has been a “sharp increase” in suicide rates among Black youth across the state, so a unique targeted suicide prevention effort has been launched.

The NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan is an “…effort [that] sheds light on communities which have been marginalized, where mental health challenges persist, and outlines initiatives to be implemented over the next five years to reduce injury and save the lives of Black youth and young adults.”

According to 2023 data, “Black populations were overrepresented in emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts or self-injury, particularly among the 10-24 age group.”

Data also shows that Black youth are overrepresented in suicides and suicides attempts, but underrepresented in calls to the 988 suicide hotline, especially in urban counties. More than half of Black youth and young adults who died from 2013 to 2022 did so by firearms.

“A community-led, ground-up approach is essential to address the increase in suicide rates among Black youth and young adults,” says Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “NCDHHS wants to ensure everyone has the support they need before, during, and after a personal crisis, especially groups that are disproportionately affected.”

An effective action plan to address this particular problem among Black youth in North Carolina must take into account traditional barriers to accessing medical and mental health services, including socio-economic, cultural miscommunications with health providers, and even a lack of access to Black and other providers of color.

The action plan, as developed by NCDHHS in collaboration with the NC Dept. of Instruction, UNC Suicide Prevention Institute, and other community-based organizations, seeks to achieve six objectives:

• Establish the Community of Practice and Education (COPE) initiative to lead, develop and champion suicide prevention efforts at the community level, targeting Black youth and young adults in North Carolina.
• Strengthen supportive mental health services for Black youth, incorporating both peer support specialists and peer-to-peer support systems.
• Enhance awareness and training for suicide prevention, specifically for Black youth.
• Reduce access to lethal means among Black youth.
• Strengthen protective factors for Black youth to support mental well-being.
• Establish a comprehensive understanding of the suicide prevention needs of Black youth through data analysis and reporting to inform targeted interventions and increase awareness.

Stronger Together Conference

According to NCDHHS, the agency will host the Stronger Together Conference, a statewide event on September 20, 2025 in Rocky Mount, NC. This unique conference is a free, one-day, interactive experience centered on cultural connection, creative expression, and community care. The event will bring together youth, young adults, and advocates for a day of learning, healing, and community building.

Registration for the Stronger Together Conference is open and available at www.trilliumhealthresources.org/event/stronger-together-conference-rocky-mount.