NC unveils action plan to address rising suicide rates among Black youth

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) —  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched the NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan in response to a sharp rise in suicide rates among Black youth and young adults.

Announced during Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the plan outlines a five-year strategy to reduce suicide rates and address long-standing mental health disparities in marginalized communities.

“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, director of NCDHHS’ 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.”

According to 2023 data, Black youth aged 10–24 were overrepresented in emergency department visits related to suicidal thoughts or self-injury. Research also showed they were overrepresented in suicide deaths and attempts, but underrepresented in calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, particularly in urban areas. From 2013 to 2022, more than half of Black youth and young adults who died by suicide in North Carolina used a firearm.

NCDHHS said that Black families face significant barriers to accessing medical and mental health care.

The action plan, developed in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute, and community-based organizations, includes public feedback and identifies six core objectives:

• Launch a Community of Practice and Education (COPE) initiative to champion suicide prevention at the community level.
• Strengthen supportive mental health services, including peer-to-peer support.
• Enhance suicide prevention awareness and training specifically for Black youth.
• Reduce access to lethal means.
• Build protective factors that support Black youth mental health.
• Use data to better understand the needs and shape interventions.

The plan also emphasizes culturally relevant strategies, such as training barbers and other trusted community members in programs like Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and 988 outreach.

As part of the initiative, NCDHHS will host the Stronger Together Conference on Sept. 20 in Rocky Mount. The free, one-day event will focus on cultural connection, healing, and community care, bringing together youth, advocates, and mental health professionals. Registration is now open.