Faithful Voices: Breaking the Silence on Suicide
The Mental Health and Wellness Program of the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) prioritizes mental health justice and wellness equity for the upliftment of all people. As a part of this program initiative, during Black History Month, we are providing a culturally relevant space to discuss resources for Black mental health and wellness.
In 2022, suicide accounted for 49,476 deaths in the United States—approximately one every 11 minutes. According to the CDC, 13.2 million people seriously considered suicide, 3.8 million made plans, and 1.6 million attempted it. Suicide ranked among the top 9 leading causes of death for individuals aged 10-64, and it was the second leading cause of death for those aged 10-14 and 25-34. Historically, suicide rates among Black Americans have been perceived as lower compared to other racial groups. However, current trends show an alarming increase in suicidality, challenging outdated perceptions and emphasizing the necessity for a shift in public awareness and intervention strategies to save lives. This vital webinar addresses breaking the stigma, addressing the crisis, and creating effective, compassionate support systems for those in need.
Panelists:
Joselyn Spence is the Director of NBA’s Mental Health and Wellness Program. As LPC and ATR, she provides trauma-informed services to people of all races, backgrounds and ages. She has a MDiv from the Candler School of Theology at Emory, a MS in Art Therapy and Professional Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and a BS in Women and Gender Studies and African-American Studies.
Cameron Cunningham, M.Div., NBA Mental Health and Wellness Program Coordinator, is a dedicated clergy, religious educator, and social advocate with a strong commitment to building faith
communities and advancing holistic and social equity. Cameron’s work is driven by the belief that faith can serve as a catalyst for creating and nurturing strong unified communities. He brings exceptional dedication and meticulous preparation working at the intersection of faith and mental health as he has collaborated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), to further enhance his expertise in addressing mental health and substance use disorders within faith communities.
Lauren N. Jenkins, LCPC, CCTP, C-DBT, is a Trauma specialized Mental Health Clinician, Empowerment Speaker, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Advocate and Trainer. Lauren currently works at Anchored Hope Therapy, a highly specialized trauma-specific mental health private practice in Annapolis, Maryland. She specializes in working with individuals and couples through life transitions as well as working with clients in the helping profession impacted by Vicarious Trauma, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue. She also is the founder of The Journey2Well, LLC, (https://thejourney2well.com), a mental health wellness and training company that helps people [re]discover the power that lies in their courage to become self-aware, to reclaim their narratives, and find power in telling their stories in order to live well, feel well, be well, and if in the helping profession, help well.
Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S., MCHES, is a Subject Matter Expert, originally supported by an award from the Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health. He is an advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services for youth
and adults. He is a subject matter expert in suicide prevention, with a particular focus on suicide prevention planning and suicide prevention strategies for Black youth. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University and a Master of Health Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University. In 2020, Brandon earned the Master Certified Health Education Specialist credential from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Brandon is the creator of “The Black Mental Wellness Lounge.”
Dr. Sherry Molock, Ph.D, M.Div. is a Professor in the Department of Psychological & Brain 
Sciences at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Dr. Molock teaches undergraduate and doctoral courses in clinical psychology and conducts research on the prevention of suicide and HIV in African American youth. Her work has appeared in a number of professional journals; she has served on several local and national boards. She also serves as a grant reviewer for NIMH, NIDA, CDC, and SAMHSA. She recently served on the Scientific Work Group that served as advisors for the Congressional Black Caucus’ Emergency Task Force on Suicide Prevention for Black Youth. In addition to her work in psychology, Dr. Molock and her husband, Guy Molock, Jr., are the founding pastors and Pastor Emeriti of the Beloved Community Church – United Church in Christ in Fort Washington, Maryland.
