Each February since 1976, Black History Month has called attention to the contributions of Black Americans –– contributions that have not come without struggle and sacrifice. To recognize this important month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is raising awareness about specific considerations that can impact the mental health of Black and African American people, and what can be done to help those in the community who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or behavior, or the impact of losing someone to suicide.

Just this month, AFSP launched a brand-new program, L.E.T.S. (Listening, Empathy, Trust, Support) Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities. This presentation was created to help Black and African American people navigate the particular factors impacting suicide and mental health in their communities. The program is grounded in research and led by trained presenters from the Black and African American community, who will help participants to, among other takeaways:

• Understand the scope of suicide in the Black and African American population
• Identify suicide risk and protective factors for Black and African American people
• Recognize the warning signs of suicide, and learn how to connect someone with help

In a powerful new piece for our Real Stories blog, AFSP's Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement Victor Armstrong writes that Black History Month is not just a celebration of African American's achievements throughout U.S. history, but also an opportunity for Black people to rewrite and reclaim their narrative. L.E.T.S. Save Lives, Armstrong says, is an effort to bring hope and change the narrative around mental health and suicide in the Black and African American community. We hope you read the full story.

You can learn more about L.E.T.S. Save Lives on our webpage, or by contacting your local chapter. We also encourage you to stay tuned for more information about a special livestream event happening later this month, which will feature an in-depth panel discussion about the new program.