Suicide is a major public health issue.
In 2018, 48,344 people died by suicide – making suicide the tenth leading cause of death nationwide (CDC). In 2019, approximately 12 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older thought seriously about attempting suicide; 3.5 million made suicide plans, and 1.4 million made non-fatal attempts (SAMHSA).
In Washington State, 2009-2018
75% of Firearm Deaths are Suicides
National Suicide Data
48,344
Lives Lost Yearly to Suicide
15 – 24
Year Olds, Suicide is Second Leading Cause of Death
20
Veterans Die Daily by Suicide
50%
Of Suicides Involve Firearms
Washington Suicide Data
In 2018, 1,252 residents died by suicide, making it the eighth leading cause of death overall in Washington state. At nearly 15.9 deaths per 100,000 people, this is higher than the national annual age-adjusted suicide rate of 14.2 per 100,000 individuals. (CDC)
Washington state has higher rates of suicide than the national average. Washington ranks 26th in suicide rates in the U.S.