African American Faith Communities Suicide Prevention Education

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services promotes ongoing suicide prevention, education, and training for African American and other faith communities, healthcare providers, service recipients, and family members.

In collaboration with faith leaders, other state departments, and community mental health agencies, the Department plans and coordinates  suicide prevention educational programs that provide tools to:

• Identify signs and symptoms of mental health diagnoses and suicidal behaviors
• Become aware of effective treatment modalities and interventions
• Become aware of updated research on treatment modalities and interventions
• Become aware of effective medication
• Know what individuals with mental illness can do to help themselves
• Know what family can do to help their family members who have a mental health diagnosis
• Know how to help a person who may be exhibiting suicidal behaviors
• Know the mental health resources in their community

More information about suicide prevention in Tennessee can be found at the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s (TSPN) website at www.tspn.org

For more information, contact:
Gwen Hamer
Director, Education and Development Director
Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
Phone: (615) 532-6510
Email: Gwen.Hamer@tn.gov