The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families in the 15 counties of NW PA. Because of this focus, we want to share the CDC’s newly released latest provisional estimates for suicide deaths in the United States in 2022. We encourage everyone to review this information, share it within personal and professional networks, and get involved in stigma-reduction and suicide prevention efforts in their communities.
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CDC Provisional Estimates for Suicide Deaths
CDC is releasing the latest provisional estimates for suicide deaths in the United States in 2022. After declining in 2019 and 2020, suicide deaths in the United States increased 5% in 2021. The provisional estimates released today indicate that suicide deaths further increased in 2022, rising from 48,183 deaths in 2021 to an estimated 49,449 deaths in 2022, an increase of approximately 2.6%. However, two groups did see a decline in numbers: American Indian and Alaska Natives (down 6.1%) and people 10-24 years old (down 8.4%).
“The troubling increase in suicides requires immediate action across our society to address the staggering loss of life from tragedies that are preventable,” said CDC’s Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H. “Everyone can play a role in efforts to save lives and reverse the rise in suicide deaths.”
CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action offers evidence-based strategies to prevent suicide. Last week, CDC announced seven new recipients in CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program (CSP), now funding programs in 23 states and one territory to implement and evaluate a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention, with a special focus on populations that are disproportionately affected by suicide.
CDC’s National Center for Injury Control and Prevention’s mission is No Lives Lost to Suicide, and we believe that with collective effort, suicide is preventable. Our shared work in suicide prevention is important when people may be feeling disconnected, anxious, and stressed.
Ready to become part of the solution and learn how to talk about suicide and mental health? Register now for our upcoming QPR Gatekeeper and CALM training sessions.
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program and PERU to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies. We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. To learn more, visit the program website at theresilientveteran.org.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
