Suicide is a serious, but preventable, public health problem. Whole communities across the globe and in America are impacted by the sometimes sudden and long-lasting effects of suicide. Each year, more than 720,000 people around the world die by suicide. After reaching its peak of 14.2 per 100,000 in both 2018 and 2020, rates are fortunately on the decline in the U.S. However, suicide accounted for nearly 49,000 deaths—about one death every 11 minutes—and maintains its position as the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. overall.  As of 2024, approximately 14.3 million Americans have seriously contemplated suicide, and for those aged 10-14, it is the second leading cause of death.
 
Further complicating the issue is stigma, particularly regarding mental health and wellness, which means many individuals contemplating suicide are not seeking help and getting appropriate treatment. While the causes of suicide are complex, early detection and treatment are known to improve outcomes and quality of life. Strengthening access to suicide prevention care and support is an important step to lessening harms of suicide.
 
Improving awareness to suicide’s causes and treatments and removing its stigma will help save lives. Please join us in promoting the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities across Pennsylvania by recognizing September 2026 as “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” and September 10, 2026 as “World Suicide Prevention Day.”