NEW YORK (October 8, 2014) – In a report released today by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate for the top ten leading causes of death has decreased or held steady – except the tenth leading cause of death in the United States - suicide. From the last time this data was made available in 2011, the national suicide rate rose two percent to 12.6 suicide deaths per 100,000 in 2012.

While suicide is a leading cause of death, it is preventable. As a nation, we have a mental health crisis. To reverse the trend of suicide increasing, we need to invest in research, education, and support policy that helps people with mental disorders get the help they need. We need to talk openly and honestly about this serious but preventable health issue.

Additionally, AFSP has and continues to advocate for full funding of the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). NVDRS collects in-depth information on the details of and circumstances surrounding a suicide, which goes beyond the basic information collected through the CDC’s National Vital Statistics Reports/Fatal Injury Report. Fully implementing the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) nationwide is essential to developing, informing and evaluating suicide prevention programs.

The CDC collects data about mortality in the U.S., including deaths by suicide. While the latest CDC reports show a continued rise in the suicide rate through 2012, it’s important to note that the data for 2013 and 2014 have not yet been released making it difficult to identify the most current trends.  

To view the report, click here.

Contact: Alexis O’Brien, PR Director, 347-826-3577, aobrien@afsp.org

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP, www.afsp.org) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. To fully achieve its mission, AFSP engages in the following Five Core Strategies: Funds scientific research; Offers educational programs for professionals; Educates the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention; Promotes policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention; Provides programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involves them in the work of the Foundation. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 67 local chapters with events nationwide. Review the Annual Report to learn more about AFSP’s life-saving work. Join the national conversation on suicide by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.