New York Has One of the Lowest Suicide Rates in the U.S.

A new report looking at national health data shows that New York State has one of the lowest suicide rates in the country. The report used information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the year 2023.

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It looked at how many suicides happened in each state and how those numbers compare to the size of the population. Out of the 50 states, New York ranked second lowest for suicide rates.

What the Numbers Show for New York

In 2023, New York had an overall suicide rate of 8.3 deaths per 100,000 people. That put the state just behind New Jersey, which had the lowest rate in the country. It also showed that 1,717 suicides were reported in New York that year. While that number is concerning, the overall rate is lower than most other states when adjusted for population.

How Often Guns Were Involved in New York

The report also looked at how many suicides involved a firearm. In New York, there were 491 suicides involving a gun in 2023. That means almost 30% of suicides in the state involved a firearm. The rate of gun-related suicides in New York was 2.2 per 100,000 people.

Gun Ownership in New York

The study also reviewed estimates of gun ownership in each state. In New York, nearly 20% of households are estimated to own a firearm. Research showed that states with lower gun ownership rates  showed lower suicide rates.

Why These Numbers Matter

Health experts say suicide is a serious public health issue that affects families and communities across the country. Even though New York’s rate is lower than most states, the numbers show that many people are still struggling and need support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has free and confidential support 24 hours a day.