Year: 2021 Source: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (2021). 70, 261–268. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7008a1external icon. SIEC No: 20210195

Summary
What is already known about this topic?

Suicide is preventable. In 2019, approximately 47,500 lives were attributed to suicide. From 2018 to 2019, the suicide rate declined for the first time in more than a decade.

What is added by this report?

Suicide rates declined overall by 2.1%, among females by 3.2%, and among males by 1.8%, as well as in five states, certain demographic groups, and by certain mechanisms of suicide; however, disparities persist.

What are the implications for public health practice?

To build on 2019 progress, CDC’s Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices supports a comprehensive approach to prevention. Implementing such an approach, especially in disproportionately affected populations (e.g., American Indian/Alaska Natives), is needed in all states.