Amid the Suicide Prevention Fight, a Culturally Responsive Program is Recognized for its Success

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no one-size-fits-all approach to suicide prevention. Research suggests that culturally informed suicide prevention education can improve the relevance, meaningfulness, and effectiveness of programs for diverse communities. Between 2018 and 2023, suicide rates among Black individuals increased steadily by 24.3%, followed by a 3.4% decrease from 2023 to 2024. Launched in 2024 and offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), L.E.T.S. (Listening, Empathy, Trust, Support) Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities was created to resonate with a community with steadily increasing suicide rates. After reaching nearly 6,000 individuals since its launch, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) recognized L.E.T.S. Save Lives on its Best Practices Registry (BPR) this month, a highly regarded and expert-backed suicide prevention education registry.

From July 2025 to June 2026, L.E.T.S. Save Lives reached over 2,400 participants through more than 75 events. Post L.E.T.S. presentation surveys since its 2024 launch revealed that 98% of participants felt confident in their ability to recognize warning signs for suicide (a 13% increase compared to before attending the program), making it a powerful suicide prevention public health education tool.

"We are honored that L.E.T.S. Save Lives has been recognized by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's Best Practices Registry," said Trisha Calabrese, AFSP senior vice president of Programs. "Effective suicide prevention must reflect the experiences, strengths, and needs of the communities we serve. This recognition underscores the importance of culturally informed education and our commitment to working with Black and African American communities to make suicide prevention more relevant, accessible, and actionable."

Through culturally informed suicide prevention programs like L.E.T.S. Save Lives, Black and African American communities can learn how to start conversations around mental health and encourage help-seeking behaviors to prevent suicide. L.E.T.S. Save Lives was created in concert with an advisory committee of experts in Black and African American mental health and suicide prevention and is delivered by trained presenters who identify as trusted messengers within these communities. Participants learn about racial and systemic factors that impact suicide in their communities, suicide warning signs, and how to connect someone with help.

"AFSP is committed to ensuring our programs are developed by the communities in which they serve," said Victor Armstrong, AFSP vice president for Health Equity and Engagement. "Programs like L.E.T.S. Save Lives bridge the gap in culturally responsive mental health care."

Programs and interventions listed on BPR go through a multi-expert review process to ensure a focus on safe messaging around suicide and documented evidence of effectiveness in achieving their goals and objectives.

Visit afsp.org/letssavelives/ to learn more and bring the program to your community.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide across the lifespan, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide loss or risk.  The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together AFSP's research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national need. Read more about our recent announcement.

Media interested in speaking with AFSP on this news are encouraged to fill out this press request form and explore AFSP's Safe Storytelling Studio for ethical reporting guidance.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention