The House Concurrent Resolution proposes the establishment of a Task Force on African American Suicide Rates in Louisiana to investigate and analyze suicide statistics within this demographic. The resolution highlights alarming trends, including a significant increase in suicide attempts and deaths among African Americans, particularly among young boys and men. The task force is tasked with studying these issues and developing recommendations for suicide prevention, with a report due to the legislature by February 1, 2024.

The task force will be composed of various stakeholders, including legislative leaders, health officials, and representatives from mental health organizations and community groups. Each member organization is required to submit a designee by July 15, 2023, and the first meeting is to be convened by August 1, 2023. The resolution emphasizes the importance of addressing the high-risk factors contributing to suicide in the African American community, such as homelessness, violence, and psychological distress, and aims to provide a structured approach to tackling this critical public health issue.