Suicide rates rising for Black Ohioans, data shows

As more clinicians, mental health professionals and advocacy groups bring attention to the issue of suicide, clinicians and therapists are also raising awareness on the rising number of suicides among African Americans in Ohio and nationwide (Source: “'Suicide should never be an option': Dealing with rising rates among Black people in Ohio,” Columbus Dispatch, April 18).

Nationwide, there was a 3.6% increase in the number of African-American suicide deaths from 2021 to 2022, according to the latest available data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. From 2019 to 2020, the suicide rate for Black male Ohioans, increased by 8% to 18.3 Black males per 100,000 in 2020, according to the latest data from the Ohio Department of Health. For Black females, the suicide rate during that time period increased 14%, to 3.2 per 100,000 population.

Research on suicide also shows that Black males are increasingly using firearms to carry out and complete suicides, while Black females are more likely to attempt suicide. Black males in Franklin County overwhelmingly took their own lives via firearms. In 2019, 73 of the 125 Black male Ohioans who took their own lives used a firearm. In 2020, that number increased to 80 firearm suicides, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in immediate crisis, you can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988.

Life Is Better With You Here, part of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, offers a number of resources for suicide prevention specifically for Black Ohioans who may be struggling.