How Is Vibrant Emotional Health Addressing Rising Suicide Rates Among Black And LGBTQI+ Youth?

Federal data show that “the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 19 surpassed that of their White peers for the first time in 2022, increasing 54% since 2018, compared to a 17% decrease for White youth.” Organizations such as Vibrant Emotional Health are working to counter this increase, providing support to individuals and their families. A non-profit located in New York City, Vibrant serves as the administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In this role, the organization manages the technical infrastructure of the 988 Lifeline and raises public awareness around suicide and mental health issues. Vibrant develops tools that enable people at risk for suicide to stay safe. The organization also regularly evaluates calls, texts and chats to the 988 Lifeline, while creating resources and communications to reach high-risk individuals. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), “Structural factors reinforce racism and discrimination and elevate exposure to potentially traumatic events. These experiences exacerbate risk for mental health concerns and suicide among Black youth who are also more likely to experience punitive treatment in the educational and juvenile justice systems.” Johnell Lawrence, Director of Equity and Belonging at Vibrant Photo Credit: Vibrant One...