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Información de contacto

10808 NE Halsey St

Portland, OR 97220

Recursos de crisis

988 Línea de ayuda para el suicidio y la crisis

Emergencia: 911

© 2025 Coalición para la Prevención del Suicidio en Jóvenes Afroamericanos. Todos los derechos reservados.

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BYSPC Students

ABOUT BYSPC

We are a coalition of mental health professionals, community leaders, and advocates committed to saving Black youth lives.

RISING CRISIS FOR BLACK YOUTH

Black children, teens, and young adults are facing a growing crisis in suicide and mental health, driven by racism, inequity, and lack of access to care. These numbers highlight why culturally rooted prevention, early support, and community-based healing spaces are urgently needed.

144%

increase in suicide rates among Black youth.

73%

increase in self reported suicide attempts.

66%

of Black youth don’t receive mental health support.

1,810+

Black youth lost from 2003 - 2017.

BYSPC IS HERE TO CHANGE THE NUMBERS

OUR STORY

BYSPC began shortly after a SAMHSA Policy conference in Baltimore in 2023. Professionals from across Oregon within the mental health, youth serving, and Black community  attended to respond to the national crises focused on the rising rates of Black youth suicide. The advisory team of BYSPC were able to receive funding to launch the youth advisory council known as BYSPC. The youth have been instrumental in providing feedback to statewide systems including 988 campaigns, Intensive In-Home Behavioral Health programs, Behavioral Health conferences, and have developed their own initiatives that inform and have become integrated within the YSIPP.

We recognized that Black youth face unique challenges including systemic racism, limited access to culturally competent mental health care, and stigma around seeking help. These barriers demanded a specialized approach.

Today, BYSPC works with schools, community organizations, and
families across Oregon to provide education, resources, and support that saves lives and builds hope.

This initiative is led by REAP in collaboration with organizations like Multnomah County, the Oregon Health Authority, and AdultingIRL.

BYSPC Students
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BYSPC Background

OUR MISSION

To reduce suicide rates among Black youth through
comprehensive prevention programs, culturally responsive mental health education, policy advocacy, and community-based support systems that address the unique challenges facing Black communities.

OUR VISION

A world where every Black youth has access to mental health resources, feels valued and supported by their community, and has hope for their future. Where seeking help is normalized and culturally competent care is readily available.

OUR CORE VALUES

These principles guide everything we do and inform our approach to serving Black youth and their families.

Compassion

Leading with empathy and
understanding in all our interactions and
programs.

Equity

Ensuring fair access to mental health
resources for all Black youth.

Community

Building strong networks of support within and across communities.

Innovation

Developing creative solutions to
address mental health challenges.

OUR INITATIVES

Greenbook

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Meet the dedicated professionals leading our mission to save Black youth lives.

Contact Info

10808 NE Halsey St

Portland, OR 97220

Crisis Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Crisis Text Line: 741741

Emergency: 911

© 2025 Black Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. All rights reserved.

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