Year: 2008 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, v.38, no.3, (June 2008), p.323-333 SIEC No: 20080639

Suicide prevention programs for African American youth in African American churches may have broad appeal because: the Black church has a strong history of helping community members, regardless of church membership; African Americans have the highest level of public & private religiousness; & the church can help shape religious & cultural norms about mental health & help-seeking. The proposed gatekeeper model trains lay helpers & clergy to recognize the risk & protective factors for depression & suicide, to make referrals to appropriate community mental health resources, & to deliver a community education curriculum. Potential barriers & suggestions for overcoming these are discussed. (52 refs.)