Suicides Among American Indian/Alaska Natives — National Violent Death Reporting System, 18 States, 2003–2014 | MMWR

Suicides Among American Indian/Alaska Natives — National Violent Death Reporting System, 18 States, 2003–2014 | MMWR

American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have the highest rates of suicide of any racial/ethnic group in the United States, and the rates of suicide in this population have been increasing since 2003. According to analysis of National Violent Death Reporting System data from 18 states, AI/AN people who died by suicide were younger and more likely to live in a non-metropolitan area than non-Hispanic whites who died by suicide. Read the study to learn more about the disparities AI/ANs face in the burden of suicide, risk factors for suicide, and circumstances surrounding suicide deaths. Culturally relevant, evidence-based prevention strategies are needed to address multiple risk factors.

Suicide is preventable with multiple, comprehensive suicide prevention strategies. CDC’s technical package of policies, programs, and practices to prevent suicide [PDF-6MB] can help communities focus on strategies that have the best available evidence to prevent suicide. Innovative prevention strategies, such as school-based interventions can improve access to life skills development programs for youth at-risk in non-metropolitan and rural areas.