Community Impact
Untreated mental illness is contributing to a national mental health crisis in the United States, affecting both adults and youth. Data from the National Alliance of Mental Illness indicates that one in five individuals experiences mental illness each year.Mental health challenges among our youth are real, urgent, and growing and the data makes that clear. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people in the United States, and Black youth are experiencing some of the most alarming increases. According to national data from SAMHSA, between 2018 and 2021, suicide rates among Black youth ages 10–24 increased by approximately 37%, one of the sharpest rises of any racial or ethnic group.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) youth behavior data further reveal troubling disparities among adolescents. In 2019, Black female high school students reported higher rates of suicide attempts than their White female peers, underscoring the unique pressures and unmet mental health needs facing Black girls and young women today.
These statistics are not just numbers; they represent children, families, classrooms, and communities. They remind us that early intervention, access to culturally responsive mental health care, and community-based prevention efforts are not optional—they are essential. By coming together to raise awareness, share resources, and normalize conversations around mental wellness, we take an important step toward saving lives and strengthening the future of our community.
Through our strategic partnerships we have addressed the stigma around mental health and raised awareness through community engagement. As a catalyst for positive change in the community, we’ve been driven by three pillars: Community education, mental health Services, and Sustainable growth.
