PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — In the midst of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) released new information Monday that may help better understand who is at risk of dying by suicide.
VHHA looked at data from emergency department visits among patients who attempted suicide from 2020 through 2023.
The organization found that the numbers peaked in 2021, with 985 emergency visits that year. That does not count the number of people who were otherwise admitted to hospitals for suicide attempts or who never sought treatment.
VHHA Vice President of Communications Julian Walker said people need to know this information so they can be on the lookout for someone who might be in trouble.
“CDC figures indicate almost 50,000 suicide deaths in 2022, which they say is about one death every 11 minutes,” Walker said, “and then when you factor in the people who think about attempting suicide or plan suicide, or seriously consider it, those numbers are in the millions.”
Some of the most disturbing CDC data includes the fact that suicide was the second-leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 14, as well as young adults ages 25 to 34.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, one resource available is the 988 Lifeline. You can call or text at any time of day or night to connect with free, confidential support.
