Suicide Deaths in Georgia, 2018-2023
Abstract
Background
Suicide is a serious public health problem in the United States. Despite recent rate declines, overall rates remain high. The 2022 age-adjusted suicide rate in Georgia (14.6) was close to the overall national average (14.2). To describe recent changes in the burden of suicide in Georgia, CDC analyzed suicide rates during 2018–2023.
Methods
Suicides were identified from the National Vital Statistics System multiple cause-of-death mortality files for 2018–2023. Age-adjusted rates (AAR) and 95% CIs were calculated using the direct method and the 2000 U.S. standard population. Hispanic or Latino persons could be of any race, and racial groups excluded persons of Hispanic ethnicity. Data from 2023 are provisional and may change with the final data file.
Results
Between 2018-2023 over 9,600 Georgians died by suicide. Over half (64%) of the suicides during the time period involved a firearm and another 22% involved suffocation. AARs were highest during this time period in 2021 (15.3 per 100,000). Over 70% of the suicide decedents in Georgia were White persons and 79% were male. Rates were highest during this time period among White persons, however, the number of suicides declined -4% between 2018 (1,209) and 2023 (1,157). The number of suicides among Black persons increased 40% (2018: 261; 2023: 366). Overall AARs were highest in Gilmer and Worth counties.
Conclusions
We can work together to prevent suicide. A comprehensive public health approach that relies on data to drive decision-making, multisector partnerships to expand reach, and implementation of multiple culturally relevant prevention strategies supports prevention. CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program funds 24 recipients, including Georgia, to implement and evaluate a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention, with a focus on populations disproportionately affected by suicide. Specifically, Georgia focuses on Veterans and first responders, and Black Youth (10-24 years) in Clayton County.
Keywords
Suicide, Prevention, Health disparities
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Suicide Deaths in Georgia, 2018-2023
Background
Suicide is a serious public health problem in the United States. Despite recent rate declines, overall rates remain high. The 2022 age-adjusted suicide rate in Georgia (14.6) was close to the overall national average (14.2). To describe recent changes in the burden of suicide in Georgia, CDC analyzed suicide rates during 2018–2023.
Methods
Suicides were identified from the National Vital Statistics System multiple cause-of-death mortality files for 2018–2023. Age-adjusted rates (AAR) and 95% CIs were calculated using the direct method and the 2000 U.S. standard population. Hispanic or Latino persons could be of any race, and racial groups excluded persons of Hispanic ethnicity. Data from 2023 are provisional and may change with the final data file.
Results
Between 2018-2023 over 9,600 Georgians died by suicide. Over half (64%) of the suicides during the time period involved a firearm and another 22% involved suffocation. AARs were highest during this time period in 2021 (15.3 per 100,000). Over 70% of the suicide decedents in Georgia were White persons and 79% were male. Rates were highest during this time period among White persons, however, the number of suicides declined -4% between 2018 (1,209) and 2023 (1,157). The number of suicides among Black persons increased 40% (2018: 261; 2023: 366). Overall AARs were highest in Gilmer and Worth counties.
Conclusions
We can work together to prevent suicide. A comprehensive public health approach that relies on data to drive decision-making, multisector partnerships to expand reach, and implementation of multiple culturally relevant prevention strategies supports prevention. CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program funds 24 recipients, including Georgia, to implement and evaluate a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention, with a focus on populations disproportionately affected by suicide. Specifically, Georgia focuses on Veterans and first responders, and Black Youth (10-24 years) in Clayton County.
