GRACE LAB CURRENT STUDIES

In the past decade, the rates of suicide death among Black men increased by 25.3%, signaling an emerging public health crisis. Yet, there is a fundamental gap in suicide research focused on Black male populations due to limited investigations of race-related (e.g., discrimination) stress as a potentially unique risk factor.

Understanding Suicide Risk in Black Youth and Caregivers

The goal of this study is to demonstrate feasibility and acceptability of a digital phenotyping study to assess real-time proximal risk factors among Black adolescents.

We are currently recruiting Black youth (ages 12-18) who reside in Maryland and have an Apple or Android smartphone.

Suicide Prevention through Afrocentric Gatekeeper Training

This collaboration with Trinity Family Life Center of Richmond, VA will enable the development of a much-needed Afrocentric gatekeeper training program for community members (or “gatekeepers”) to identify and support Black youth in their communities.

Assessing Provider Attitudes for Smartphone-Based Suicide Research

The goal of this exploratory qualitative study is to understand providers’ beliefs and attitudes towards patient involvement in smartphone-based suicide prevention research.

Collaborative Community-Academic Engagement for Suicide Prevention Planning

The overall goal of this project is to foster the development of a community-academic coalition of organizations (Roberta's House and the Black Mental Wellness Lounge) working collectively on suicide prevention issues that are most vital to young Black boys and men in Baltimore City. The long-term objective of this study is to inform future strategic priorities to mitigate system-level challenges to suicide prevention among Black boys and men residing in Maryland.

Smartphone-Based Suicide Assessments for Black Men

The goal of this project is to integrate digital health strategies using a mixed methods approach to better identify suicide risk heterogeneity among Black men.