The Need

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness among Black girls in high school rose 45%—from 37.5% in 2009 to 54.4% in 2021. (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System)

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• The percentage of Black girls needing medical attention for injuries resulting from a suicide attempt increased by 120% between 2009–2021; up from 2.5% in 2009 to 5.5% in 2021.

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• Between 2001 and 2017, the suicide death rates for Black American girls ages 13 to 19 increased by an alarming 182%, as reported in the Journal of Community Health (2019).

This heartbreaking trend highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to foster emotional well-being and resilience in our communities.