New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Lindenhurst) appeared on Thursday night’s edition of Inside City Hall with Errol Louis to discuss a recent study showing a rise in suicide attempts among black teenagers over the past 30 years[1], as well as her pending legislation to establish a Black Youth Suicide Task Force. She was joined by Dr. Michael Lindsey of the McSilver Institute at NYU, who was the lead author of the study.

Both Jean-Pierre and Lindsey discussed the importance of looking at the possible behavioral determinants behind the spike in suicide attempts, as well as the historical disparities in treatment options available to communities of color. They also highlighted the important roles that parents and schools have in engaging children, assessing risk factors and knowing when to connect them to the proper resources, especially in times of trauma.

Jean-Pierre’s legislation (A.6740B/S.4467B), which was sponsored by Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland) in the New York State Senate, passed both houses of the Legislature earlier this year and awaits signage by Governor Cuomo. It would establish a seven-member task force, with appointees from the Governor, Legislature, and Department of Health, to examine, evaluate and determine how to improve mental health and suicide prevention for New York’s Black residents.

The full interview can be found at https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2019/11/22/study--suicide-attempts-rising-among-black-teenagers#

[1] https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2019/10/10/peds.2019-1187