RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina health officials have unveiled a comprehensive action plan to combat alarming suicide rates among Black youth and young adults, addressing what data shows is an urgent public health crisis affecting one of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, outlining a five-year strategy designed to reduce deaths and injuries while improving access to culturally relevant mental health services.

Crisis Demands Immediate Action

Recent data analysis reveals the severity of the situation facing Black youth in North Carolina. A review of 2023 statistics showed Black populations were significantly over-represented in emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts and self-injury, particularly among individuals aged 10-24.

The crisis extends beyond hospital visits. Research indicates that while Black youth are over-represented in suicide deaths and attempts, they are under-represented in calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, especially in urban counties. Perhaps most troubling, data from 2013-2022 revealed that more than half of Black youth and young adults who died by suicide used firearms.

“A community-led, ground-up approach is essential to address the increase in suicide rates among Black youth and young adults,” said Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW, 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.”

Systemic Barriers to Care

The action plan acknowledges that Black families face significant obstacles in accessing medical and mental health services. These barriers stem from various socio-economic factors, including inadequate cultural communication from healthcare providers and limited access to professionals who share similar backgrounds and experiences.

Six-Point Strategy for Change

Developed through collaboration between NCDHHS, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute, and several community-based organizations, the plan establishes six core objectives:

Community Leadership Initiative: The Community of Practice and Education (COPE) initiative will spearhead suicide prevention efforts at the grassroots level, specifically targeting Black youth and young adults throughout North Carolina.

Enhanced Mental Health Services: The plan calls for strengthening supportive mental health services through expanded peer support specialists and peer-to-peer support systems designed for Black youth.

Targeted Training and Awareness: Officials will enhance suicide prevention awareness and training programs specifically tailored to the unique needs of Black youth and their communities.

Lethal Means Reduction: The initiative aims to reduce Black youth’s access to lethal means, addressing the concerning firearm suicide statistics.

Protective Factors: The plan focuses on strengthening protective factors that support mental well-being among Black youth.

Data-Driven Understanding: Officials will establish comprehensive data analysis and reporting systems to better understand suicide prevention needs and inform targeted interventions.

Culturally Relevant Interventions

The action plan emphasizes culturally appropriate strategies, including expanded training efforts among trusted community partners such as barbers. These initiatives will focus on key programs including Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Community Conference Planned

NCDHHS will support the Stronger Together Conference, a free one-day event scheduled for September 20 in Rocky Mount. The interactive conference will center on cultural connection, creative expression, and community care, bringing together youth, young adults, and advocates for learning, healing, and community building.

Crisis Resources Available Now

For individuals experiencing mental health crises, North Carolina provides multiple support options:

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 through calls, texts, or online chat
• The Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC) connects callers with Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience with mental illness and substance use disorders
• Mobile crisis teams can respond directly to individuals in crisis
• Community crisis centers provide safe spaces for professional help without emergency room visits

The comprehensive action plan represents North Carolina’s commitment to addressing mental health disparities and saving lives in Black communities across the state. Each objective includes specific goals designed to guide policy-making decisions and ensure measurable progress over the five-year implementation period.