Hispanic Teens More Likely to Attempt Suicide

The study, which surveyed nearly 14,000 U.S. high school students nationwide, anonymously asked participants if they had actually attempted suicide one or more times during the 12 months preceding the survey.  Nationally, about 8 percent of students had reported a suicide attempt.

“This study culminates findings that we have long known and suspected on the mental health conditions of Latino and also other minority youth,” commented Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano, D-Norwalk.  “In order to prevent youth from taking their own life, we need to accept the fact that their mental health is threatened and the great need to educate families, teachers, and youngsters on practical solutions that can give students the help they need.”

Responding to similar data from a “State of Hispanic Girls” study in 1999, Napolitano spearheaded a school-based Latina adolescent mental health program.  Since then, she has secured $1.6 million for this program, through which Pacific Clinics places counselors in three local middle schools and one high school. The program has served hundreds of students, many of whom had previous suicide attempts, and has been commended by state and federal agencies for its comprehensive approach involving parents and schools in preventing adolescent suicide.

In May, Napolitano introduced House Concurrent Resolution 410, supporting Mental Health Month and placing emphasis on scientific literature regarding mental health in order to remove the stigma associated therewith.  Since the bill’s introduction, 122 Members of Congress have signed on in support.

Napolitano also revitalized and currently co-chairs the Congressional Mental Health Caucus with Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA).  The caucus works on a wide array of mental health issues in a bipartisan fashion by dedicated Members of Congress and the mental health advocacy community.  More than 90 members from both parties have joined the Caucus, and one of the Caucus’s top priorities is removing the stigma attached to mental health so that its focus is in parity with other ailments.

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