Conference to Address Suicide in the Black Community
City of Memphis hosts National Suicide and the Black Church Conference
NASHVILLE – Since 2003, the Suicide and the Black Church Conference has been the nation’s leading suicide awareness forum for faith leaders in the African-American community. The conference goal is to open a dialog among church leaders and experts in the field of suicide prevention and mental health, to share best practices that can help congregations recognize suicidal behaviors, and to provide individuals in crisis support and intervention.
“One death due to suicide is one tragedy too many,” said E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “I commend these church members and their congregations for incorporating suicide prevention into their faith communities and their dedication over the past decade to saving lives.”
Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) places suicide as the 3rd leading cause of death among young black males ages, 15-24, and the 16th leading cause of death for blacks of all ages.
Significant risk factors for suicide in the black community include:
- Poverty
- Trauma and Child Abuse
- Family Conflict, Negative Interactions
- Feelings of Hopelessness, Racism, and Discrimination
- Lack of Access to Mental Health Services
In addition to religion, social and emotional support, and a sense of black identity are considered significant factors in shielding and protecting African Americans from serious thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide.
Factors that can help safeguard African Americans from thoughts of suicide.
- Feeling connected to family, community, school
- Contact with protective caregivers and institutions
- Having adequate coping and problem-solving skills
- Access to Mental Health services
“While Caucasians make up roughly 70 percent of suicides in the U.S. and 90 percent in Tennessee, the rate of suicide in the African American community has increased over the last two decades,” said Commissioner Varney. “Our faith communities are a vital link to help recognize the warning signs to intervene, and help those struggling overcome their challenges.”
Suicide and the Black Church Conference, June 17 – 18, University of Tennessee Student Alumni Center, 800 Madison Avenue (Midtown) Memphis, Tennessee.