CDC: U.S. suicides decline 3% in 2020

The number of U.S. suicides declined by 3% in 2020 to an estimated 45,855, according to provisional estimates released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicides fell by 2% for males and 8% for females, with statistically significant reductions for white females (11%) and white and Asian males (4% each) and statistically significant increases for American Indian/Alaska Native males (9%), Hispanic males (8%) and Black males (6%). Rates declined for women aged 35 and older and for men aged 45-74. Men aged 75 and older had the highest suicide rate at 40.2%. 

In other news, the Indian Health Service today announced $46.4 million in funding for tribal organizations to address suicide, substance abuse and an integrative approach to behavioral health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.