Suicidal Behaviors in Latino Communities

30 Rainbow Road,Albuquerque NM 87113

16 May, 2022

Description

Culturally Grounded Prevention and Intervention Approaches Suicidal behaviors constitute a series public health concern. Although more research and understanding has been gained in the last years, stigma and myths still permeate around this topic, particularly among Latino communities. Data from the CDC indicates that the death rate from suicide for Latino men was four times the rate for Latinas, in 2018. However, the suicide rate for Latino is less than half that of the non-Hispanic white population. For the Latino age group of 15-34, death by suicide was the second leading cause of death in 2019 and for Latinas in grades 9-12 suicide attempts were 30% higher than for non-Hispanic White girls in the same age group. Psychological as well as social factors play a role in suicidal behaviors and, if we think of culture as a social factor, then it provides us with a greater understanding of suicidal behaviors. Social influencers such as stigma, poverty, lack of access and of culturally responsive services continue to play a role in the provision of services for suicidal behaviors among Latinos. In fact, in 2018, Latinos were 50 percent less likely to have received mental health treatment as compared to non-Hispanic whites. This Conference will provide a forum for mental health services providers working with Latino populations to increase their knowledge and understanding of suicidal behaviors among Latinos. The Conference will address culturally grounded prevention and intervention strategies to best serve Latinos at-risk of suicidal behaviors. Goal of the Conference Provide a forum for providers of mental health services working with Latino communities to learn and understand the intersection of culture as a social factor in suicidal behaviors among Latino communities. Learning objectives 1. Address contributing psychological and sociocultural factors in suicidal behaviors among Latino populations. 2. Discuss culturally grounded strategies to address suicidal behaviors in school settings. 3. Identify culturally responsive approaches to prevent suicidal behaviors in Latino groups.