For Updated Bronx News and Updates, Visit Breaking Bronx at NorwoodNews.org

The Bronx News Network is in a transitional phase and has suspended posting for the time being. We'll be providing updates in the near future.

In the meantime, for the latest Bronx news updates and stories, visit Breaking Bronx, the new borough-wide blog published by the Norwood News. Aside from our daily news updates and stories, Breaking Bronx provides special feature posts, including the interactive Be Healthy! column on Wednesdays, the Bronx Sports Report on Thursdays and the Bronx Breakdown column every Friday afternoon.

Startling Statistics Put Focus on Latina Suicides

Editor's Note: This story was originally published in the latest issue of the Norwood News, out now. 

Health care professionals and the city’s elected officials are looking for ways to tackle the daunting problem of teen suicides, as data from several sources shows that Hispanic teenagers, especially young Latinas, are disproportionately at risk for self-harm compared to other racial groups.

In the Bronx, 15.3 percent of Latina teenagers reported having attempted suicide in a 2009 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which looked at youth behavior (numbers in Staten Island and Brooklyn were even higher).

City data shows the same disturbing trend: according to a 2008 report from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 46 percent of Hispanic teenage girls polled reported feelings of “persistent sadness.”

“It’s pretty startling across the board,” said Alan Ross, executive director for the Samaritans of New York, a nonprofit suicide prevention organization that also runs a 24-hour emergency hotline.

Stories Not About Politics in Norwood News

While we're waiting for election results, just a reminder: the latest edition of the Norwood News is out on streets and online now. Here's a sampling of some non-election stories you'll find.

Rashaad Ernesto Green, a young film director from the Bronx is putting the final touches on his new movie, "Gun Hill Road" -- filmed largely on and around, you guessed it, Gun Hill Road.

Police are still looking for witnesses to come forward with information about killing of a 20-year-old father who was exiting St. James Park in University Heights. The victim was shot six or seven times in the chest in broad daylight. Police and experts say it's difficult to find witnesses willing to aid in the investigation of violent crimes for a variety of reasons.

Plus more crime news in our Police Report.

As part of the Norwood News' new "Be Healthy" section, we profile a new kidney transplant clinic that caters to Spanish speakers. and also offer some health tips for parents with kids heading back to school. 

A Norwood artist looks to break into the world of cartooning.

In our Business Beat section, we take a look at the string of shops offering fruit smoothies in the area.

Also, don't forget to access our online-expanded Neighborhood Notes section for all the latest on local programs, services, events and announcements.