News

1,777 Ohioans Died by Suicide in 2023, According to New Ohio Department of Health Report

In a sobering report released by the Ohio Department of Health, it was revealed that 1,777 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023. While the number of suicide deaths saw a slight decrease of 1% from the previous year, the tragedy of these losses continues to be deeply felt across the state.

A Slight Decline, but the Work Is Far from Over

The 2023 Suicide Report from the Ohio Department of Health is both a glimmer of hope and a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. For the first time in three years, there has been a decrease in the number of suicide deaths. A total of 1,777 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023—20 fewer than in 2022.

Despite this small improvement, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to prevent further loss. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy that deeply affects so many,” he said. “This is a sobering fact, and it is why, even though we take some encouragement from this slight decline, we are committed to continuing to work hard to drive those numbers down further.”

This decrease, while important, serves as a reminder that much more needs to be done. Governor Mike DeWine, echoing Vanderhoff’s sentiments, pointed out that suicide and depression remain serious threats to Ohioans, particularly the youth. “If anything, our progress should inspire us to further advance our commitment to this life-saving work, because the life of every Ohioan is precious,” DeWine said.

The Human Toll: Nearly Five Ohioans Per Day

The figures in the report are not just statistics—they represent people, families, and communities that have been torn apart. Nearly five Ohioans die by suicide each day, a devastating number that is felt most acutely by loved ones. In addition, one person between the ages of 10 and 24 dies by suicide every 36 hours.

Ohio suicide statistics

“These are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, neighbors, co-workers, and all of these losses are truly a human tragedy and a reminder that we have to do more,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “We want all Ohioans to be well, get well, and stay well, so that they can live up to their full God-given potential every single day.”

These words reflect the collective grief shared by so many. Each statistic represents an individual, a story, and a loss that ripples throughout the state. As the report highlights, suicide remains the 12th leading cause of death overall in Ohio. It is the second leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10-14 and 20-34, underscoring the vulnerability of younger populations.

Patterns and Trends: Who Is Most Affected?

The report also delves into demographic patterns, offering crucial insights into the populations most at risk. One of the most striking statistics is that nearly 70% of suicide deaths in Ohio occurred among white non-Hispanic males. Additionally, Ohioans aged 45-54 experienced the highest rate of suicide deaths, a trend that points to the challenges faced by middle-aged adults.

Firearms were the most commonly used method in Ohio suicide deaths, accounting for more than half of all suicides. Another alarming trend is the increase in suicides involving drug poisoning, which saw an 11% rise in 2023. This highlights the growing intersection between mental health crises and substance abuse, a trend that calls for a multifaceted approach to suicide prevention.

On a more positive note, the report also shows some improvements in certain demographics. Black non-Hispanic females and white non-Hispanic females saw the largest decrease in suicide rates, both down by 6%. These reductions offer hope that targeted interventions and awareness campaigns may be helping to reverse some of the trends.

Progress in Mental Health Support: The 988 Lifeline

In the face of these staggering statistics, Ohio has taken steps to improve mental health support for its residents. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched in July 2022, has provided a vital resource for Ohioans in crisis. Ohio’s 19 call centers have responded to more than 440,000 calls, chats, and texts since the service’s launch.

While the existence of the 988 Lifeline represents a significant step forward, the numbers indicate that much more needs to be done to reduce suicide rates and improve mental health outcomes. The 988 Lifeline continues to be an essential tool in providing immediate support to those at risk, and the hope is that it can prevent some of the tragedies reported in this year’s findings.

A Call to Action

The 2023 Suicide Report may offer a slight sense of hope with its small decrease in suicides, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the work still to be done. The people of Ohio, from all walks of life, need continued support, understanding, and resources to fight the mental health crisis that is claimed in these tragic numbers. With collaboration, dedication, and awareness, there is a chance to reduce these losses even further, but it will take the collective effort of the entire state.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *