Suicides increase in the United States; Biden launches preventive plan

Deaths by suicide in the United States have increased in the last two years, which is why President Joe Biden’s government is launching a preventive plan this Tuesday.

“Improving the health and well-being of the American people is one of President Biden’s top priorities, and that includes doing everything we can to reduce suffering and prevent suicide,” said Neera Tanden, White House domestic policy adviser. “Today we are proud to launch a new National Suicide Prevention Strategy and Federal Action Plan.”

Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that suicides increased approximately 5% in 2021, but there were also increases in 2022.

Estimates indicate that deaths by suicide increased from 48,183 deaths in 2021 to around 49,449 deaths in 2022, according to data from last August, which is the most recent.

“Suicide is a complex public health problem that tragically affects our friends, family, neighbors and community members throughout the country,” said Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This strategy – and the unprecedented interagency coordination demonstrated in the federal action plan – commits to the American people that we are here for them.”

The new policy addresses the mental health crisis and the overdose crisis, the White House said.

“The strategy will be accompanied by the first Federal Action Plan, which identifies more than 200 discrete actions that federal partners throughout the Administration will initiate and evaluate over the next three years,” it was indicated. “Actions include identifying ways to address substance use and suicide risk together in the clinical setting, funding a mobile crisis locator for use by 988 crisis centers, increasing support for survivors of suicide loss and others whose lives have been affected by suicide.”

Communities where there have been successful suicide and overdose prevention efforts will also be evaluated.

“For the first time, the country’s suicide prevention strategy will include a pillar that prioritizes equity, an essential requirement to meet the specific and urgent need to address populations disproportionately affected by suicide throughout the continuum of care. ” indicates the Biden Administration.

The federal government is hosting an event where suicide prevention advocates Ashley Judd and Aloe Blacc will offer their expertise to program officials and advocates, including Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Director of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin, U.S. Surgeon General .U.S., Dr. Vivek Murthy, SAMHSA Under Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Affairs Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, and CDC Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director of Programs and Science Dr. Debra Houry.