Suicides among young African-American males have jumped by nearly 300 percent since 1980, according to the National Institutes of Health. Heeding that statistic, Atlanta?s elementary, middle and high schools have brought suicide prevention to their 95 percent African-American student body with their new program ?Strong STARTS (Schools Taking Action to Reach Troubled Students).

The Atlanta mentoring organization 100 Black Men and Solvay Pharmaceuticals?an SSRI manufacturer?launched the program in October with a conference on treating unmet mental health needs. The conference alerted teachers and school administrators that disruptive or withdrawn behaviors in students are tell-tale signs of emotional distress, says psychologist Arletta Brinson, PhD, the school district?s coordinator of psychological and health services.

As part of the program this year, guidance counselors are showing teachers and students a video on recognizing depression and anxiety, and finding help. ?We?re not asking teachers to be psychologists or diagnosticians, but to make referrals when they see behavior problems and suicide threats,? said Brinson.

Brinson and the district?s other mental health professionals hope the program will increase referrals and encourage students to seek help if they feel depressed, anxious or suicidal. Some black youth endure high levels of stress due to racism in the culture and violence in their communities, says Brinson. The racism they experience can lead to low self-esteem and dashed hopes for academic and career success. This negative outlook can breed violence and, in some cases, suicide, says Brinson. Increased access to mental health services can be the boost they need to succeed, she says.

Solvay Pharmaceuticals plans to collect outcomes data on the program this summer, according to Karen Kaplan, the company?s director of public affairs. ?If the program saves the life of just one student, it?s worth it,? she says.