MFPCC

FACTS AND FIGURES
Learn about statistics, trends, and other relevant insights for behavioral health practitioners working to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for people in underserved communities.

National Suicide Prevention Week
One of the leading causes of death in the United States is suicide, with a rate of one death every eleven minutes.¹ Disparities in suicide rates can be seen among specific groups, including men, veterans, people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).² AI/ANs had the highest death rate per 100,000 in 2021 (28.1) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (17.4), Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders (12.6), Non-Hispanic Multiracial people (9.7), Non-Hispanic Blacks (8.7), Hispanics (7.9), and Non-Hispanic Asians (6.8).¹ The higher rate of suicide among the AI/AN population can be attributed to worse health and socioeconomic conditions, increased substance use, mental health issues, family instability, cultural disconnection, and the pressure to assimilate.³

National Suicide Prevention Week is September 10-16 and aims to raise awareness of this public health issue and advocate for suicide prevention programs and interventions. Suicide prevention can be achieved through increased access to culturally responsive mental health care, strengthened economic support, and access to suicide prevention programs that are effectively adapted to tribal communities. SAMHSA has several resources on suicide prevention programs:

• The Tribal Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Center provides AI/AN communities and organizations with culturally relevant, evidence-based tools to prevent suicide and promote mental health.
• The Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program (Native Connections) supports federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations in preventing suicidal behavior, easing the impact of trauma, and promoting mental health for AI/AN youth up to 24 years of age.
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides access to trained counselors and local crisis centers through phone call or text message for emotional support and counseling for those in suicidal crisis.