Crisis in Black communities: Black residents in Cook County are the only racial group whose suicide rates are higher now than before the pandemic. The problem is even worse for men, whose suicide rates are more than three times higher than women in Cook County. Advocates say there isn’t much encouragement for men — particularly Black men— to discuss mental health. [Chicago Sun-Times]

Chicagoans want help: While grassroots mental health organizations and groups have popped up in the Chicago area, city-run resources haven’t done enough outreach in suicide prevention, say families who have lost loved ones. Also, a lack of messaging directly to communities in need — in addition to well-documented clinic closures — could have been a factor in higher suicide rates for Black residents, mental health advocates say.

Pain into purpose: Rafiah Maxie-Cole, 48, was inspired to start her own organization after her son, Jamal Clay, 20, died by suicide May 27, 2020, two days after George Floyd’s death. Soul Survivors of Chicago provides financial support through donations to those struggling with trauma, as well as mental health education centering specifically on Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

More>

###