A vibrant campaign
According to federal data, “the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10-19 will surpass that of white youth for the first time in 2022, increasing 54% since 2018, while the suicide rate among white youth has decreased 17%.” Organizations like Vibrant Emotional Health are working to combat this increase, providing support to individuals and their families.
Vibrant, a New York City-based nonprofit, serves as the manager of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In this role, the organization manages the 988 Lifeline’s technology infrastructure and raises public awareness about suicide and mental health issues. Vibrant develops tools to help people at risk of suicide stay safe. The organization also regularly evaluates calls, texts, and chats to the 988 Lifeline and creates resources and communications to reach high-risk individuals.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), “structural factors exacerbate racism and discrimination and increase exposure to potentially traumatic events. These experiences exacerbate Black youth’s mental health concerns and suicide risk, and they are also more likely to experience punitive treatment in the education and juvenile justice systems.”
Jonelle Lawrence, Director of Equity and Belonging at Vibrant
One of Vibrant’s most recent efforts has focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Johnell Lawrence, Vibrant’s Director of Equity and Belonging, said, “988 Lifeline is transforming mental health support for Black college students and HBCUs. Through our deep engagement with HBCUs, we understand the unique barriers and needs of this community and customize our services accordingly.”
This year, Vibrant partnered with Howard University in Washington, DC to host the 2024 Springfest and fashion show to raise awareness of 988 Lifeline among Black youth. The fashion show featured a modeling contest, fashion demonstrations, a filmmaker contest to create a promotional video for 988 Lifeline, and a contest to create ready-to-wear clothing from 988 t-shirts. The occasion showcased how Vibrant and 988 Lifeline are working to support Black students.
Vibrant also supports the 988 Lifeline LGBTQI+ Sub-Network Youth Advisory Group. According to Lawrence, “This effort ensures that the Sub-Network is built by and for LGBTQI+ youth who are committed to cultivating best practices and needs within their community.” According to a 2023 study by The Trevor Project, 18% of LGBTQ youth have attempted suicide, double the rate of teens overall. This high rate is the result of stress, bullying, and parental disapproval. Suicide rates among African-American LGBTQI youth are higher than white youth.
Rising suicide rates among Black youth and their disproportionate impact on LGBTQI+ people underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support. Vibrant Emotional Health’s work through its 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, collaboration with HBCUs, and creation of LGBTQI+ sub-networks underscore the importance of customized interventions that take into account the unique challenges these communities face.
Additionally, by continually evaluating their services and engaging directly with at-risk populations, Vibrant is making great strides in eliminating mental health disparities. As we look to the future, organizations like Vibrant will be critical in building a society where people can access the mental health support they need, regardless of race or sexual orientation.
