Year: 2008 Source: MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Surveillance Summaries), v.57, no.SS-3, (April 11, 2008), p.1-46 SIEC No: 20080436

This report provides the first detailed summary of data collected by the National Violent Death Reporting System. Data for 2005 for 16 American states was analyzed. A total of 15,495 fatal incidents involving 15,962 violent deaths occurred. The majority of deaths were suicides. Fatal injury rates varied by gender, ethnicity, age group, & method of injury. Suicides occurred at higher rates among males, American Indians/Alaska Natives, whites, & older persons & most often involved the use of firearms in the home. Suicides were precipitated primarily by mental illness, intimate partner or physical health problems, or a crisis during the previous 2 weeks. (22 refs.)