Saving Our Sons and Students: HEAL Provides Community-Rooted Suicide Prevention Services

We recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness in September, but the urgency of this devastating health risk persists year-round. Suicide in the United States has risen to historic levels, with deaths reaching a record high in 2022 and remaining elevated in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men account for roughly 80% of suicide deaths nationwide, a trend seen across racial and ethnic groups, per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Behind these numbers are families, classrooms, congregations, and neighborhoods—and prevention is both possible and urgent.

Suicide is on the Rise

For communities of color, the situation is changing rapidly. Historically, documented suicide rates were lower than the national average; today, sharp increases—especially among adolescents and young adults—are a growing concern. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, and is the fastest-growing cause of death among African American teens. African American teens report higher rates of suicide attempts and a larger proportion of attempts that require medical treatment. Meanwhile, fatality data confirm that across groups, men die by suicide at several times the rate of women, and in recent years, steep increases have been occurring among teen boys and young men.

It’s also important to acknowledge undercounting. Public health researchers note that some deaths involving drug poisonings are classified as “undetermined intent” when there isn’t clear evidence, which can mask suicides and affect accuracy—especially in marginalized communities where access to mental health care is lower and suicide notes are less common.

People Who Need Help Aren’t Getting It

Why aren’t people getting the help they need? In addition to stigma—cultural expectations to “tough it out,” privacy concerns, and fears about being judged—many economically disadvantaged neighborhoods have too few clinicians, long waitlists, insurance hurdles, and limited culturally responsive care. In Atlanta, access to quality healthcare is often determined by which neighborhood you live in. The federal National Survey on Drug Use and Health finds that African American and Hispanic adults use mental health treatment at lower rates than White adults despite similar or higher levels of need.

The hopeful news: Evidence-based talk therapies work can make a dramatic positive difference.

The Hopeful News

“Teens today are navigating an always-on social media world, racialized stress, and economic uncertainty—while their brains are still building the wiring for impulse control, says therapist Sydney Royes, LCSW. Royes is HEALing Community Health’s Behavioral Health Director. “That combination makes them uniquely vulnerable. The hopeful news is that talking to a professional helps. When someone opens up about suicidal thoughts and gets timely, evidence-based therapy, their risk of a future attempt can drop dramatically—clinical trials show reductions on the order of 40–50%. Reaching out early can literally change a life.”

HEALing Community Health provides responsive individual and family therapy; teen-friendly care and safety planning with coordination across schools and families; and men’s mental health services that address stress, grief, identity, and trauma. We offer in-person and telehealth visits, help with insurance and transportation, and same-day risk assessments and appointments, quickly linking to higher levels of care when needed.

Resources, Right Now

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 help.

Quick actions you can take today

• Save “988” in your phone and share it with your circle.
• Check in with a teen or young man; ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
• Listen without judgment and help reduce access to lethal means if it’s safe to do so.
• Create a simple safety plan and schedule therapy; we can help you navigate next steps.

Schedule an appointment with HEALing Community Health’s Behavioral Health team today by calling 404-564-7749. Same day and telehealth appointments are available.