For more than a decade, the #suicide rate has been increasing among #Black #children. Now, a new study says the greatest rise is among young #Black #girls.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Arielle Sheftall, Ph.D., recently published the study through the Center for #SuicidePrevention and Research at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It found more than 1,800 #Black #children died by #suicide between 2003 and 2017. Most of the deaths were among #boys, but the #suicide rate of #girls increased an average of 6.6% each year – that’s more than twice the increase for #boys.
Dr. Sheftall recently spoke during a news conference hosted by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown in which Brown addressed the #mentalhealthchallenges affecting young #Black #girls.
“We know that because of #racial disparities in our health care system, too many young #peopleofcolor – especially young, #Black #girls – are not getting the care they need,” Sen. Brown said. “Warning signs are being missed.”
Brown discussed his #Child #SuicidePrevention and Lethal Means Safety Act, which he says will bring increased funding and attention to #suicideprevention for #children and young #adults.
Joining Cincinnati Edition to discuss the study and the #Child #SuicidePrevention and Lethal Means Safety Act are Nationwide Children’s Hospital Abigail Wexner Research Institute Center for #SuicidePrevention and Research principal investigator Arielle Sheftall, Ph.D.; and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).
If you or someone you know may be considering #suicide, contact the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
