Suicide

From The Nation's Health — Suicide, opioids tied to ongoing fall in U.S. life expectancy and Public health steps up to curb rising suicide rates: New data alarming 

Suicide claimed nearly 45,000 lives in the United States in 2016. This is a major public health concern that impacts individuals, families and communities. It’s a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. So prevention measures must also be multifaceted. The public health approach aims to reduce the factors that increase the likelihood of suicide and uplift those that protect against it. We must work together to reduce stigma and ensure everyone has access to mental health care.

This public health challenge cannot be seen as inevitable. Prevention works. We must foster healthy relationships and supportive environments.

APHA Resources

Fact sheet: Suicide Prevention (PDF)

Suicide Prevention Training: Policies for Health Care Professionals Across the United States as of October 2017

Law Enforcement and Gun Retailers as Partners for Safely Storing Guns to Prevent Suicide: A Study in 8 Mountain West States 

Sexual Assault Victimization and Mental Health Treatment, Suicide Attempts, and Career Outcomes Among Women in the US Army

Handgun Legislation and Changes in Statewide Overall Suicide Rates

Suicide Deaths With Opioid Poisoning in the United States: 1999–2014

Changing Patterns in Rates and Means of Suicide in California, 2005 to 2013

From APHA Press — "Veteran Suicide: A Public Health Imperative" 

Healthy You: Reaching out to someone who may be depressed

APHA's mental health page

Other Resources

Suicide Prevention Resource Center 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255