Suicide Among Black Youths--United States, 1980-1995

Although black youths have historically had lower suicide rates than have whites, during 1980-1995, the suicide rate for black youths aged 10-19 years increased from 2.1 to 4.5 per 100,000 population. As of 1995, suicide was the third leading cause of death among blacks aged 15-19 years, and high school-aged blacks were as likely as whites to attempt suicide. This report summarizes trends in suicide among blacks aged 10-19 years in the United States during 1980-1995 and indicates that suicidal behavior among all youths has increased; however, rates for black youths have increased more, and the gap between rates for black and white youths has narrowed.