June 22, 2022
New analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation outlines the devastating toll of suicide from 2010 through 2020, as well as the communities and people who have been affected during the decade.
More than 480,000 lives were lost to suicide during that period, with deaths increasing 12 percent overall, the report said.
“The number of suicide deaths peaked at 48,344 in 2018 and then decreased slightly in 2019 and 2020, although some research suggests that some suicides may be misclassified as drug overdose deaths,” the report noted. “Between 2019 and 2020, drug overdose deaths increased by 31 percent.”
Among the takeaways from the report:
HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospital community continue to advocate for action to support the behavioral health of our communities. This month, the commonwealth has an opportunity to expand behavioral health services that will help Pennsylvanians access the care they need when and where they need it.
Through the Healthy Me PA community, HAP is encouraging everyone to contact their legislators to support behavioral health care and patients across the state. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s behavioral health crisis online.
Tags: Public Health | State Advocacy | Behavioral Health
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