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According to a new report from the Ohio Department of Health, 1,777 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023 • Ohio Capital Journal

According to a new report from the Ohio Department of Health, 1,777 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023 • Ohio Capital Journal

This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know needs support right now, please call, text or chat 988 Emergency line.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, more than 1,700 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023.

The number of Ohioans who committed suicide dropped by 1% in 2023, according to data. 2023 ODH Suicide Report.

“Every death by suicide is a tragedy that deeply affects so many people,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff. “It’s a sobering fact and that’s why, even though we’re somewhat encouraged by this slight decline, we’re still working hard to bring that number down even further.”

This is the first such decline in three years. In 2023, 1,777 Ohioans committed suicide – 20 fewer than in 2022.

“While the decline in suicide deaths is certainly a step in the right direction, we must continue to make improvements in suicide prevention and mental health,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Depression and suicide remain serious threats – especially for our children. In any case, our progress should inspire us to continue our commitment to this life-saving work, because the life of every Ohioan is precious.”

The report found that nearly five Ohioans committed suicide every day, including one person ages 10-24 every 36 hours.

“These are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, neighbors, co-workers, and all of these losses are truly a human tragedy and a reminder that we must do more,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “We want all Ohioans to get well, get well and stay well so that they can reach their full God-given potential every day.”

The report found that suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in Ohio and the second leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10-14 and 20-34.

Nearly 70% of suicide deaths in Ohio were among non-Hispanic white men, and Ohioans aged 45–54 were the age group with the highest rate of suicide deaths, according to the report.

The report found that more than half of all suicides in Ohio involved the use of a firearm, and in 2023, drug poisonings increased by 11%.

The report found that the largest declines in suicide deaths were among non-Hispanic black women and non-Hispanic white women, both by 6%.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in July 2022, and 19 Ohio call centers have responded to more than 440,000 calls, chats and texts.

“Every Ohioan plays a role in reducing suicide rates, and that’s why we’ve worked to equip thousands of Ohioans with the skills they need to recognize mental illness or substance use disorders, and the skills they need to talk to their peers, to talk to their family members and help provide care for them,” Cornyn said.

Follow the OCJ reporter Megan Henry in Bluesky.

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