During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, RBC Support Services helped coordinate a community response for the family of Tahmya, a 14-year-old Detroit student who died by suicide.
RBC first came to know Tahmya through a mentorship program at her former school. Following her passing, RBC connected with Tahmya’s family to provide direct support and identify additional ways to assist the family.
To build on that support, RBC Support Services President and Chief Executive Officer Taqueece Myers and Board Member Charli Rose engaged community partners to bring together additional resources for the family. Sheri Crawley and Dr. A’zia Martin of Pretty Brown Girls helped coordinate community resources, O.H. Pye III Funeral Home provided funeral arrangements at no cost to the family, and Journey to Clarity offered additional grief counseling and therapeutic support. “Supporting families means being present not only during a crisis, but also helping connect them to resources and care that can support them in the days and months that follow,” said Myers.
The response reflects RBC Support Services’ broader commitment to supporting children and families throughout Wayne County. In addition to its community-based behavioral health and family support services, RBC works with students through prevention and school-based behavioral health programming designed to address emotional, behavioral, and social needs and connect young people with appropriate levels of support.
Tahmya’s passing also highlights the importance of recognizing signs of emotional distress among young people, reducing stigma around behavioral health support, and ensuring that children and families have access to care before, during, and after a crisis. The collective response to Tahmya’s family demonstrates the impact that can be made when Detroit organizations, community leaders, and service providers work together around a shared commitment to supporting children and families.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For more information about RBC Support Services, visit www.rbcsupportservices.org.