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Analysis: Data shows suicide deaths, attempts are up in Virginia, nationwide

Crystal Graham
suicide
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Dying by suicide is on the minds of children, teens, young adults, adults and seniors throughout the nation and in Virginia.

Suicide is a top 10 cause of death among Americans ages 10-64. For ages 10-14 and 25-34, it is the second leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Suicide rates increased in the United States approximately 36 percent from 2000-2022.

“Suicide was responsible for 49,476 deaths in 2022, which is about one death every 11 minutes,” the CDC reports, adding that “the number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.”

In 2022, an estimated 13.2 million people seriously thought about suicide, 3.8 million planned a suicide attempt and 1.6 million attempted suicide.

In Virginia, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association evaluated the number of emergency room visits related to attempted suicides in the state dating back to 2020.

The analysis found that the number of ER visits increased from 2020 to 2023 statewide, from 863 to 920 cases.

The analysis showed that numbers peaked in 2021 with 985 emergency department visits statewide and declined over the next two years still resulting overall in an increase.

Emergency department visits related to suicide attempts rose 14.14 percent from 2020-2021; the overall increase from 2020-2023 is 6.6 percent.


If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
For local mental health resources, visit AFP’s Project Mental Health page.


Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.