By | September 8, 2022
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The Pew Charitable Trusts

The U.S. had more than 45,000 suicide deaths in 2020, and millions more Americans reported having had thoughts of taking their own life.

To help address the issue, this National Suicide Prevention Week we’re sharing crucial data, stories, and solutions.
A Few Simple Questions Can Help Prevent Suicide
About half of people who die by suicide in the U.S. visit a health provider within the four weeks before their deaths. These visits are often missed opportunities to connect people to care—but universal screening can help.
EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
NEW DOCUMENTARY | SEPT. 13
How Can We Destigmatize Suicide, Support Families?
To prevent suicide, we must talk about it. To further that message, a new Pew-supported PBS documentary, “Facing Suicide,” aims to normalize these often-difficult conversations. The film debuts next week—don’t miss it.
FIRSTHAND INSIGHTS
FACT OF THE MATTER
33% Increase in America’s suicide rate from 1999 to 2019 across all sexes, races, and ethnicities
Explore demographic stats
New Effort to Boost Suicide Care in Health Settings
A 1999 surgeon general’s report on suicide led to several prevention efforts. Among them: Zero Suicide, an organization that has improved suicide care in health settings. Now, we’re working with them to scale up.
HOW IT WILL HELP
QUOTE OF NOTE
“If we limit our [suicide risk] screening to patients seeking mental health treatment, we miss an opportunity for detection and prevention.”
Dr. Kimberly Roaten, Parkland Health in Dallas, Texas
Suicide screening program lessons
RELATED RESEARCH
How Communities Can Improve Crisis Response
Beyond suicide risk screening programs, how can communities prevent suicide and other behavioral health emergencies? For starters, by using these resources to improve responses to mental health and substance use crisis calls.
GET RESOURCES
Category: Health News Press Release

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