Title of report:
Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America
[A 2019 report to Congress from the Congressional Black Caucus]
Task Force:
Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health
Task Force Chair:
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman
From the Introduction:
"Over the last several years, data has emerged indicating an alarming increase in the suicide rates for black children and teenagers over the past generation. While research as also shown climbing rates for youth from other racial and ethnic groups, this trend in Black youth runs counter to historical data showing lower rates of suicide among Black Americans. It challenges the public perception that Black youth simply do not commit suicide. Additional research about suicidal behaviors has raised questions about whether the path from suicidal thoughts to attempts is well understood in Black youth, and whether we have the knowledge and tools to intervene before the worst happens."
Some facts mentioned:
* Self-reported suicide attempts rose by 73% between 1991-2017 for Black teenagers (boys and girls)
* Black youth suicide rate rose from 2.55 per 100,000 children in 2007 to 4.82 per 100,000 children in 2017.
To read this report:
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/uploadedfiles/full_taskforce_report.pdf