New Program Aims to Bridge Racial Gap in Mental Health
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting racial equity in the mental health space. Dubbed “L.E.T.S. Save Lives,” the program is a free presentation designed specifically for Black and African American communities, fostering open dialogue around mental health and providing essential suicide prevention resources.
According to Vic Armstrong, AFSP’s vice president for health equity, the program’s goal is to address the often-overlooked prevalence of suicide within the Black community. By creating a resource “by Black people for Black people,” AFSP hopes to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and encourage a more open and inclusive conversation.
Shedding Light on a Pressing Issue
The statistics paint a sobering picture. Suicide was the third leading cause of death among Black Americans aged 15 to 24 in 2020, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Alarmingly, suicide rates for Black youth increased by nearly 37% between 2018 and 2021.
“We wanted something that would help educate the community about the prevalence of suicide in the Black community,” Armstrong explains. “And something that would create avenues to open conversation.”
The 90-minute presentation covers a wide range of topics, from the scope of suicide among the Black and African American population to the racial and systemic factors that impact mental health. Participants will also learn about protective factors, warning signs, and how to support someone in a suicidal crisis.
A Culturally Sensitive Approach
“Historically, when we look at suicide prevention, it’s not a conversation that we typically have. In the last few years, we’ve been more open to trying to have that conversation. But, when you look around, there were very few resources for Black people, that speak to the Black experience.” – Vic Armstrong, AFSP Vice President for Health Equity
AFSP recognized the need for a culturally sensitive approach to mental health education. The program was developed by an advisory committee of experts in Black and African American mental health and suicide prevention, researchers, clinicians, survivors of suicide loss, and those with lived experience.
The visual design was created in partnership with The House of Joy, a Black and woman-owned cultural marketing agency, ensuring that the program’s imagery resonates with the Black experience.
Breaking Down Barriers, Fostering Hope
One of the program’s key objectives is to challenge the narrative that Black people are immune to mental health struggles or suicidal ideation. Armstrong notes that this misconception often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need.
“We tell ourselves we don’t have the right to have those feelings, and that we should be able to manage it on our own,” he says. “What ends up happening is that we don’t seek help.”
By creating avenues for open and honest conversation, L.E.T.S. Save Lives aims to break down these barriers and encourage individuals to seek support when needed. The program’s message is clear: it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help.
AFSP’s commitment to mental health equity extends beyond this new initiative. The organization offers a range of culturally competent resources, including Soul Shop™ for Black Churches and Resources for Marginalized Communities.
As the nation celebrated Black History Month, L.E.T.S. Save Lives represented a significant step toward addressing the mental health needs of Black and African American communities, fostering hope, and ultimately saving lives.
