Suicide rates among Hispanics are on the rise, causing alarm among community leaders, mental health professionals, and researchers nationwide.
Suicide deaths are increasing fastest among people of color, younger individuals, and people who live in rural areas. Between 2011 and 2021, suicide death rates increased substantially among people of color, with the highest increase among AIAN people, followed by Black and Hispanic people.
Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor and researcher at New Mexico State University, emphasizes the need for increased funding towards mental health, particularly prevention programs that acknowledge the unique cultural, legal, and language needs of the Hispanic community. In the face of these growing disparities, local leaders are stepping in to bridge the gap, establishing support groups specifically tailored to the Hispanic population. These efforts underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to mental health that is sensitive to the diverse needs of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
See “Rising Suicide Rate Among Hispanics Worries Community Leaders” by Andy Miller and Molly Castle Work on the KFF Health News website (January 22, 2024)
