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About Us
The Suicide Prevention in the African American Faith Communities Coalition aims to create a culture of wellbeing that allows everyone the opportunity to thrive and prosper.
The coalition empowers community members and faith leaders to work together, build awareness and provide practical toolkits around African American suicide prevention with a public health and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) approach.
Our Work
SPAAFCC works to:
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Raise awareness around suicide prevention and the emotional effects of ACEs through community and church trainings
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Frame and cater culturally sensitive initiatives/presentations specifically to the faith and African American communities
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Partner across sectors with the community and faith leaders and members all over Nashville
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Empower youth leaders to expand reach to support the mental health of children and young adults
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Provide practical toolkits of local resources and community support (ie., community resource fairs, support groups, crisis hotline materials, mental health assistance resources for insured/uninsured, etc.)
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Support and work towards the initiatives and vision of ACE Nashville and the Community Health Improvement Plan of Nashville.
The coalition has five subcommittees: Community Resources, Community Engagement, Social Media, Youth Engagement, and Event Planning.
Our History
SPAAFCC was birthed following the tragic loss of a Memphis church member. The death by suicide led to the creation of The Annual Suicide and the Black Church Conference, a community led initiative of faith leaders addressing suicide prevention and mental health in the Black community. Inspired by the work being done, Nashville developed a conference and coalition to focus on spreading suicide prevention, awareness, resources and more recently, the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Our group is supported by passionate community members, faith organizations, pastors, and local resources, the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS).