Answering the Alarm: A Care System to Help Black Youth at Risk for Suicide
Official title: Answering the Alarm: A System of Care for Black Youth at Risk for Suicide
Funded at New York University · NIH-11417291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program to help Black kids who come to the emergency department be identified early, get connected to mental health care, and stay in treatment to reduce thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,206,551 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129786-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Black adolescents at risk for suicide who present to the emergency department and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Some youths may not experience improved engagement due to personal or systemic barriers.
What this research studies
This project tests a WeCare system of care designed for Black adolescents who visit the emergency department with suicide risk. It uses screening plus a linked care pathway to improve referrals, engagement, and access to quality mental health services. The study gathers input from youth, families, clinicians, and staff to understand barriers and facilitators and to create an easy-to-use training package for clinicians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could increase identification and treatment engagement, reducing suicide risk among Black youth.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed gaps in identification and linkage to care; this study builds on implementation science methods to improve real-world uptake.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindsey, Michael a. — New York University
- Study coordinator: Lindsey, Michael a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
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-
Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
A VA-funded project tests whether peer-delivered counseling helps Veterans store firearms more securely and reduces suicide risk.
-
How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
-
INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
-
A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
A school-based program teaches students calming skills to reduce violence and thoughts of self-harm, tested in a randomized trial with middle schoolers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.