AV on Health: African American Adolescent Suicide

Generally speaking, the African American community considers suicide a "white persons' issue" - that it doesn't happen that often in the black community. The fact is suicide knows no race - and for adolescents, it's the third leading cause of death after accidents and homicides. And now, a recent study has found that suicide rates for black children - ages 5-12 - is twice that of white children. Why are such young children taking their own lives? And more importantly, what are the warning signs? What do parents and caretakers need to do to prevent suicide from happening? We discuss this critical issue with Narketta Sparkman-Key, Ph.D, Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of Counseling and Human Services, Old Dominion University. Dr. Key specializes in adolescent suicide and brings practical advice to all who interact with children.