As we embark on the first anniversary of Black People Die By Suicide Too (BPDBST), we reflect on a remarkable journey characterized by rapid visibility, growth, and vibrant community participation. This milestone represents not just a celebration of time, but a testament to our collective dedication towards suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and support within the Black community. Celebrate our highlights with us!
Podcast
Our bi-weekly podcast has become a widely recognized platform for discussions on mental health in the Black community, achieving over 21,000 downloads globally. This platform has allowed us to reach countless individuals, fostering important conversations and spreading awareness.
Community Events
We have actively participated in over 30 community events across Maryland. Through these events, we aimed to build community, end stigma, and advocate for suicide prevention. Each event has been a step forward in creating a supportive and informed community.
Sponsorship & Support Groups
Sponsorship: We secured a one-year sponsorship from the Black Women’s Mental Health Institute, enabling us to expand our reach and resources. With this support, we launched monthly peer support groups, offered free to community members. Currently, we host one virtual group per month, providing a safe space for sharing and support.
Media Recognition
Our work has been featured on various media platforms including Good Morning Washington, WHUR, WUSA9, The Baynet, and Revolt Media’s Paging Dr. Chanda Podcast. Since our launch, we have seen a 91% increase in Instagram engagement, confirming the community’s interest and support for our message.
Conference Presentations
We have presented at national and international conferences, including the Mental Health First Aid Summit in Saint Louis, MO, and the Counseling and Treating People of Colour Conference in Panama City, Panama. These opportunities have allowed us to address mental health disparities on a systems level, sharing our insights and advocating for systemic change.
Volunteer Engagement
We have received enthusiastic responses from over 50 prospective volunteers across multiple states. This underscores our organization’s nationwide reach and impact, showcasing the widespread support for our mission.
White House Invitation
We were honored to be invited to The White House for the release of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and Federal Action Plan. This invitation also underscores the recognition of our efforts at the highest levels.
Recognition & Awards
Co-Founder Award: Our co-founder, T-Kea, was awarded Peer Specialist of the Year by the Black Mental Health Alliance in December 2023 and also received the National Peer Specialist of the Year Award from the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon in May 2024.
Organization Award: BPDBST received the Community Organization of the Year Award in May 2024 by Eustress, a mental health non-profit based in Charlotte, NC.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these achievements, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for suicide prevention and mental wellness. The journey of Black People Die By Suicide Too continues, fueled by the passion and dedication of our community and supporters.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success over the past year. Together, we are making a difference, one conversation and one action at a time.
Here’s to many more milestones and impactful moments ahead!
