Wisconsin’s suicide rate rose 40 percent between 2000 and 2017, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (DHS) most recent analysis of state suicide deaths and suicide-related injury.
Released on Tuesday, Sept. 10 – Suicide Prevention Day – the analysis is part of an effort to update Wisconsin’s suicide prevention plan and reduce the number of suicide attempts and deaths.
This analysis found:
◉ The state’s suicide rate rose 40% between 2000 and 2017.
◉ From 2013-2017, suicide rates in Wisconsin were highest among individuals ages 45-54.
◉ Of all state deaths by firearm from 2013-2017, 71% were suicide deaths.
◉ In 2017, the majority of individuals who died by suicide in Wisconsin were male.
◉ In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death among adolescents in Wisconsin.
“In order to save lives, we must be unified in our suicide prevention efforts,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm in a statement. “Suicide affects far too many Wisconsin families and communities and requires a comprehensive approach to prevention that addresses the range of factors contributing to an individual’s emotional pain. Coordination and cooperation from every sector of society, including government, public health, health care, employers, education, media, and community organizations is critical for us to be effective in our prevention work.”
