Building Racial Equity and Community into Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion

Concurrent Sessions 4: 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm, Wednesday, September 22, 2021

The U.S has experienced consistently high suicide rates. The pandemic has seen increased reports of depression and anxiety. There has also been renewed energy behind initiatives calling for racially equitable social structures that are responsive to community voices. This session connects these issues, demonstrating how to leverage community assets for better mental health outcomes. It also assess equitable suicide prevention strategies in Native American and Alaska Native communities, as well as reforms, like 988 lifeline legislation, which can reduce overreliance on police and promote racial health equity.

Moderator:

• Madeline Kim, Network for Public Health Law – Northern Region and National Office, Public Health Associate

Speakers:

• April Shaw, Staff Attorney, Network for Public Health Law – Northern Region Office
• Christina McCoy, Community Partnerships Manager, M Health Fairview
• Tyler Dougherty, NIHB