Non-Emergency Navigator: 440-240-7025

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Non-Emergency Navigator: 440-240-7025

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

A LOCAL CONVERSATION TO PREVENT BLACK YOUTH SUICIDE

Ring the Alarm

Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America [REPORT]

 

The Urban League and God’s Kngdom in Lorain have joined the MHARS Board’s call to bring awareness to a growing concern: the rising rate of death by suicide among Black youth. We ask everyone to learn about the recent work of the Congressional Black Caucus to bring attention to this issue.

 

Please read and view these resources:  

 

Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America | Report to Congress from the Congressional Black Caucus  

 

Responding to the Alarm: Addressing Black Youth Suicide webinar  

Ring the Alarm report

PANEL DISCUSSION

Lorain County, Ohio, leaders discuss the Congressional Black Caucus report “Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America,” including practical advice for parents and other caring adults.

 

Ways to help right away:

 

Encourage a young person to text 4hope to 741 741. The Crisis Text Line is free and confidential, and available for advice and support whenever someone is in a moment of distress. They can ask for advice on managing stress, handling relationship troubles, or anything that is urgent or challenging for them. Also available through Facebook Messenger.

 

Learn the signs of suicidal thinking.

 

Take a training to learn how to talk about tough mental health topics. The most basic training is called “QPR” for Question Persuade Refer. Learn more.

 

Practice safe storage of medications, firearms, or other potentially harmful objects or substances that a person thinking of suicide may use to harm or kill themselves. Learn more.

 

Check in regularly with your friends and family, even if they do not seem distressed. Social isolation is a risk factor for every age group. Plus, checking in with friends boosts your mental well-being, too! Learn tips from Ohio’s Strive for 5 campaign (video).

 

Learn more about our panelists

Pastor Valerie Howard

Valerie Overton Howard, affectionately known to many as “Pastor Valerie” because of her nurturing, and holy boldness, is a life coach, motivational speaker, and creative artist whose entrepreneurial spirit and interagency approach to community empowerment have been fortified by over thirty years of professional partnerships with various nonprofit community organizations. These nonprofit entities include, but are not limited to, the Lorain County Urban League, Lorain County Community Action Agency, Cornerstone Pregnancy Services, Elyria and Lorain YWCA, Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (LCADA), College Now, Starting Point, and Lorain City Schools. As one who understands how struggle can break the human spirit, Pastor Valerie is keenly attuned to the most vulnerable members of urban communities. [READ MORE]

Jay Nimene

Jay Nimene is the Director of Student and Family Support Services for Oberlin City Schools. A licensed Social Worker with a Master in Social Work from Cleveland State University and a Master in Education Administration from Kent State University, Mr. Nimene has worked within the community clinically for over 20 years and the school system for over 10 years. His passion is to eliminate barriers for students and families so that they are able to achieve their maximum potential. Over the years, Jay has been able to counsel families through various mental health agencies, including Applewood and Nord Center. His dream is to be able to reach the underserved, the marginalized, disenfranchised and excluded groups that are in need, at the time of need, regardless of limitation of resources, time or finances.

Parris M. Smith
Believer · Advocate · Adventurer
Parris Smith is the President and CEO of the Lorain County Urban League. Ms. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University and master’s degree in Science Psychology with a focus on Public Administration and Social Change from Walden University. She has worked tirelessly for our community at the Lorain County Urban League for the past five years. Ms. Smith currently serves on the board of Leadership Lorain County, is a graduate of the Best Class of 2017, and is a founding committee member of Connections Lorain County, a young professionals group with Leadership Lorain County. She is a member of the Advisory Council of Executives with the National Urban League and currently participating in the Spring 2020 class of the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program. Ms. Smith is an innovative, energetic, and committed leader dedicated to passionately serving the underrepresented populations and making a positive impact in our local community.

Darryl Q. Tucker

Mr. Tucker is the Managing Editor at Lorain Morning Journal newspaper.

Elizabeth Wolanski

Elizabeth Wolanski is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has worked in the field of child and adolescent community mental health for 19 years. She has worked with youth ages 3 to 18 providing services in intensive home-based, school-based, and outpatient programs. She has facilitated prevention groups and skills-based groups on the following topics: anxiety, depression, feeling management, self-esteem, grief and loss, divorce, social and emotional regulation, problem solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills. She is a trainer in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and is a member of the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Other Resources Mentioned

The panelists shared a variety of resources, including the following:

If you are thinking about suicide, call the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1-800-888-6161. 

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