by Venkatesh Gomatam, August 2023 (updated November 2023)
The provincial data for 2022 released by CDC shows that the number of suicides for last year was the highest ever recorded in the US. In the 10-year period ending in 2022, over half-million (500,372) people have died due to suicide in our country. Annual rates of suicide have climbed from 40,600 (2012) to 49,449 (2022). More extended and detailed analysis on Suicide Mortality rates here.
Note – 2022 number is provincial data from CDC
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2023/20231129.htm; NCHS Data Brief, Number 464, April 2023 (cdc.gov
Launch of 988 Lifeline – Crisis Hotline
Against this sobering backdrop, Federal government launched the crisis hotline number, 988 Lifeline on July 16, 2022.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is an easy to remember 3-digit number that allows access to a network of over 200 local and state-funded crisis centers for any landline and cell phone user who might be suicidal or experiencing a behavioral health emergency. Users can access the Lifeline via calling, chatting, or texting 988. Below are some highlights from 988 Lifeline operations.
Key Analyses for 988 Lifeline Data (1st anniversary of operations)
Note: * Calls, Chats, Text breakdowns does not include data from VCL contacts. Source: Analysis of Lifeline Metrics 988 Lifeline Performance Metrics | SAMHSA
At the first-year anniversary of 988 Lifeline, here are some key takeaways from the data for the 12-month period (July 2022-July 2023) –
- Since launch in July 2022, 988 Lifeline has received 5.56 million contacts.
- Of this, 770,430 are from the Veteran’s Crisis Line (VCL) which is a part of 988.
- Further analysis of the 5.56 million contacts shows (excluding VCL) the following breakdowns –
- 2.93 million calls
- 862,201 chats
- 750,345 texts
- Federal government and the Biden Administration has invested nearly $1 billion into the 988 launch and operations.
- At the first-year anniversary, two other services have been rolled-out –
- Spanish Text and Chat
- Specialized service for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults
Suicide Mortality Rates – 2002-2022
Note – 2022 number is provincial data from CDC
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2023/20231129.htm; NCHS Data Brief, Number 464, April 2023 (cdc.gov)
Key Takeaways from Suicide Mortality Data
- The rate of suicides per 100,000 increased from 14.1 in 2021 to 14.3 in 2022, the highest since 1941.
- CDC’s provisional data for 2022 show a record high of 49,449 suicide deaths – 2.6% higher from previous year.
- In the 20-year period ending in 2022, almost a million people (847,311) people have died due to suicide in our country.
- For the same time-period, rates of death per 100,000 have gone from 10.9 (2002) to 14.3 (2022* – provincial data for 2022).