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Recognizing World Mental Health Day: How families play a crucial role in suicide prevention

THE AFRO — Experts stress that family and community support can be lifesaving in preventing suicide, with simple acts like listening, showing up and connecting loved ones to care making all the difference.

Published

5 months ago

October 11, 2025

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By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com

Each year World Mental Health Day serves as a time for the members of the community to focus on their mental and emotional health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “the day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that “depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.”

Licensed clinical social worker Charde Hollins emphasizes the vital role of family and community in suicide prevention. She encourages open listening, support and connecting loved ones to professional care. Photo Credit: Courtesy photo.

Experts stress that family and community support can be lifesaving in preventing suicide, with simple acts like listening, showing up and connecting loved ones to care making all the difference.

When a person struggles with mental health challenges, a simple listening ear or consistent presence from family can be powerfully influential. Mental health experts Charde Hollins, Lontonia Bryant and Dorian Withrow Jr. emphasize this, highlighting the crucial role of family in suicide prevention and offering practical tips for supporting loved ones.

“Family, friends and community members are often the first to notice when something is off,” said Hollins, a licensed clinical social worker. “That makes them the front line of prevention—not because they have to ‘fix’ someone, but because they have the power to respond rather than retreat.”

Hollins said the first way to intervene is simply to listen.

Mental health counselor Lontonia Bryant highlights the importance of family and community when it comes to mental health. She believes a strong circle can help youth navigate mental health challenges and prevent suicide. Photo Credit: Courtesy photo.

“When someone shares their struggle, they’re not always asking for a solution—they’re asking for safety,” said Hollins. “Your role is to hold space without judgment and to validate instead of minimize.”

She advised avoiding clichés such as “it’s not that bad” or “think positive.” Instead, she recommends open and direct language like “thank you for trusting me with this” or “I’m here, you don’t have to go through this alone.”

Hollins said a family member can also ask directly if someone is thinking about suicide.

“Say the word,” said Hollins. “It won’t plant the idea. It creates a lifeline.”

The next step is getting professional help.

“In my work training communities and organizations in mental health first aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), I’ve seen how everyday people can learn to spot warning signs, ask clear questions, de-escalate and connect someone to care,” said Hollins.

Hollins said the best support is knowing when to refer someone to a professional, rather than trying to rescue them on their own.

Licensed clinical social worker Dorian Withrow Jr. believes that being fully present and giving individuals genuine attention and support can help them feel seen and reduce the risk of suicide. Photo Credit: Courtesy photo.

“Just because you know CPR doesn’t mean you skip the hospital afterward. The skills keep someone stable until professional help arrives,” said Hollins. “The same logic applies to mental health.”

She acknowledged medical distrust in the Black community is real and justified but emphasized the importance of not letting health issues go unaddressed.

“Look for culturally responsive providers, ask about their experience with Black clients, bring a support person if needed, and use telehealth if access is a barrier,” said Hollins. “Mental health is health. Your best friend and support system can love you, but they shouldn’t be your only plan of care, it’s not sustainable.”

From 2018 to 2023, suicide rates in the U.S. rose significantly among Black and Hispanic individuals, by 25.2 percent and 10 percent, respectively, while declining 3.1 percent among White individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Bryant, a mental health counselor, said family support can be monumental in the Black community.

“Family is the backbone of our community and is the safe haven for many,” said Bryant. “For some the family unit is a place of support without judgement, being heard, guided and sharing personal struggles. This is very important when things are overwhelming.”

If someone doesn’t have family to lean on, support from their community can be just as valuable.

“It takes a village with love, support and guidance to form the circle of support that is needed to help our youth,” said Bryant. “When we come together as a community and can openly talk about different things affecting our youth, whether it is suicide, mental health or education, it lessens the silence.”

Suicide is a leading cause of death for children and young adults in the U.S. In 2023, it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Withrow, a licensed clinical social worker, said feeling invisible can lead to suicidal thoughts.

“Many people don’t believe anyone truly sees or cares about their problems,” said Withrow. “As a result, they begin to internalize the belief that no one will help which can lead to isolation, withdrawal and in some cases, antisocial behavior. That behavior may take the form of aggression, theft, destruction, or, tragically, self-harm or suicide.”

In 2023, suicide was the second leading cause of death for U.S. youth and young adults ages 10-34. Photo Credit: Chart courtesy of the National Institute of Mental Health

Suicide can be a desperate attempt to be seen.

“This is where family, friends and neighbors really matter,” said Withrow. “When we give someone our full attention—open, honest and present—it can be what pulls them from the edge of despair toward hope.”

Withrow added it’s not about saying all the right words but simply showing up.

“In our communities, we show up with food, rides and prayer,” said Hollins. “Keep doing that and add resources, boundaries and referrals. You don’t have to be a therapist, you have to be a bridge. Love and action can get someone through it.”

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,