Richardson Wellness Lab

Caring Connections Suicide Prevention Study 

We are doing a study to see if a care coordination suicide prevention intervention designed for youth and caregivers can make a positive difference in the lives of these youth and families. If you are a youth between the ages of 13 and 19 residing in North Carolina and have thoughts about giving up on life in the first 90 days, you may be able to participate. If you are the parent/caregiver of a youth meeting this criteria, you are eligible to participate. Compensation is provided. Participation includes four virtual assessments over six months for suicide risk assessments and surveys. You will receive suicide prevention program services, including linkage and referrals, from a trained Community Health Worker at Village HeartBEAT, Inc. For your participation, youth and caregivers will receive up to $160 in gift cards. If you are interested in participating, please complete this interest form.

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Bridge to Better Mental Health Evaluation and Technical Assistance

We worked with Village HeartBEAT, Inc. and Dr. Barbara Pullen-Smith to design the Bridge to Better Mental Health Program. Bridge to Better Mental Health is an evidence-informed model that standardizes and expands access to essential resources to support mental health and emotional wellness for underserved communities. The program uses Community Health Workers to connect community members and congregations with services that help meet their behavioral health needs and address social determinants of mental health. The program seeks to increase knowledge, reduce stigma, build trust, and improve access to a culturally inclusive network. Community Health Workers are assigned to Mental Health Hubs at seven churches in high-distress neighborhoods. The Black Wellness Collective Lab evaluates the program, assesses preliminary outcomes, and provides technical assistance. A concept paper outlining the Faith-Based Wellness Hubs model is available on our blog. More information is available at https://villageheartbeatinc.com/b2bmh/.

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North Carolina Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan

In July 2024, the state participated in the SAMHSA Black Youth Suicide Prevention Policy Academy, where it developed the first-ever NC BY Suicide Prevention Action Plan. This plan was crafted with invaluable input from a dedicated team of individuals with lived experience, various state departments, and community organizations. Dr. Richardson served as the assigned subject matter expert for the North Carolina team. This team has maintained a commitment to overseeing, implementing, and leading this crucial five-year plan and potentially serving as a replicable model for other states. The Black Wellness Collective Lab supports this effort and

provides technical assistance.

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Immerse Mixture Modeling Institute

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Our team is researching integrating mixture modeling in Black youth suicide studies. In collaboration with Dr. Danielle Harrell and Dr. Arielle Sheftall, we are completing two projects in consultation with Dr. Karen Nylund-Gibson, Dr. Marsha Ing, Dr. Katherine Masyn, Dina Arch, and Natasha Pizano. These projects use mixture modeling to advance equity-oriented research. More details about the institute are available at this link: https://immerse.education.ucsb.edu/

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