1979 suicide statistics, by age & sex, for American minorities are presented, among them: rates peak in the elderly for whites & orientals; among blacks & natives it is highest in the young, low in the elderly. Some reasons are suggested, particularly for blacks. Results from projects to determine how blacks (ages 11-66) view suicide & how minorities use hotlines, are presented. Also different types of suicidal behavior & recognition of a potential suicide, are described. (KM)