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Rising suicide rate among Hispanics worries community leaders

A small group gathers in a room in an office inside a Dalton grocery store in mid-November to discuss mental health and suicide among the community's large Latino population. The suicide rate among Latinos has increased significantly in the U.S. over the past decade. (Andy Miller/KFF Health News)
A small group gathers in a room in an office inside a Dalton grocery store in mid-November to discuss mental health and suicide among the community's large Latino population. The suicide rate among Latinos has increased significantly in the U.S. over the past decade. (Andy Miller/KFF Health News) A small group gathers in a room in an office inside a Dalton grocery store in mid-November to discuss mental health and suicide among the community's large Latino population. The suicide rate among Latinos has increased significantly in the U.S. over the past decade. (Andy Miller/KFF Health News)

By Andy Miller and Molly Castle Work / KFF Health News 8 min read

DALTON — A group from teens to seniors gathered in an office inside a grocery store, where Spanish-language food signs cater to the large Hispanic population.

The conversation, moderated by community leader America Gruner, focused on mental health and suicide. The Tuesday night meetings draw about a dozen people, who sit on makeshift furniture and tell their often emotional stories. Gruner formed the support group in 2019 after three Latinos, ages 17 to 22, died by suicide over a two-week period.

“We couldn’t wait for research,” said Gruner, founder and president of the Coalición de Líderes Latinos. “We wanted to do something about it.”

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.”

The suicide rate for Hispanic people in the United States has increased significantly over the past decade. The trend has community leaders worried. Even elementary school-aged Hispanic children have tried to harm themselves or expressed suicidal thoughts.