Why so many Latina teens in Philly have attempted suicide

A new report reveals that Latina girls in Philadelphia are more likely to attempt suicide than white or African-American girls.

Listen 13:36
Noelia Rivera-Calderón is the lead author of the National Women's Law Center report on Latina students and mental health. (Courtesy of Noelia Rivera-Calderón)

Noelia Rivera-Calderón is the lead author of the National Women's Law Center report on Latina students and mental health. (Courtesy of Noelia Rivera-Calderón)

A new report sheds light on a startling finding: Latina girls in Philadelphia are more likely than white or African-American girls to attempt suicide. One in seven has attempted suicide and one in five has seriously considered it. Why is this happening and why hasn’t this fact made its way into mainstream discourse about mental health? Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Aneri Pattani explains on this episode of The Why.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal