SAN DIEGO SUICIDE RATE RISES BY TWO OFF LOWEST FATALITIES IN A DECADE

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 7, 2023 (San Diego) -- After years of declines, confirmed suicide deaths in San Diego County rose to 360 in 2022, slightly more than the 358 recorded in 2021, which was the lowest number of deaths in 10 years. 

Chairwoman Nora Vargas and Behavioral Health Services Director Luke Bergmann shared those findings and others today during the Suicide Prevention Council’s annual Report to the Community press conference. The report is a compilation of the most recent data on suicide in San Diego County.  

Suicides are tracked by rates, which is the number of deaths per 100,000 population. 

Despite the downward trend in suicides overall from 2012 to 2021, death rates increased 7 percent for youth and young adults between the ages of 10 to 24, and 3 percent for adults between the ages of 25 to 44. 

In 2021, older adults 65 years and above had the highest suicide rate (16.4 per 100,000). 

White residents experienced the highest suicide rate in 2021 (16.5). For Hispanic residents, suicide rates  from 2012 to 2021 increased by 26 percent, from 4.5 to 5.6. 

Speakers said the data trends highlight the need for continued and increased prevention efforts for populations who are especially vulnerable to suicide. Proactively seeking help and resources, talking openly and honestly, and staying connected as a community are crucial to reducing suicides in our region and ensuring everyone has the support they need.  

To view the complete 2022 Report to the Community, visit www.spcsandiego.org. 

Suicide can be prevented. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Access & Crisis Line at 888-724-7240, seven days a week/24 hours a day. Assistance is available in multiple languages. You can also call the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.  

Suicide prevention trainings to recognize warning signs, provide resource information, and assist loved ones through open and direct communication are offered free of charge. To find out more please visit www.SPCSanDiego.org to sign up for or host a training.

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Access & Crisis Line at 888-724-7240

and now 988

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local events occuring concurrently affecting 2021-2022:

from East County Leadership Council: coping with COVID-19 (links external)

With Challenge Comes Change

Family Life During COVID's Year-and-a-Half

Third Place Winners