On April 23, a significant step was taken in suicide prevention with the release of the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and its accompanying Federal Action Plan by the Biden-Harris Administration through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The numbers are staggering and demand immediate action: over 49,000 people in the United States lost their lives to suicide in 2022, averaging one tragic death every 11 minutes. Behind these statistics lie intricate webs of personal struggles, societal hurdles, and systemic deficiencies. Addressing this crisis requires not just a continuation of current efforts, but a bold new strategy that engages all of society.
At the core of the National Strategy is a commitment to exhaust all avenues to pursue effective prevention. Developed collaboratively with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), the strategy represents a concerted effort across numerous federal agencies. An Interagency Work Group (IWG) of more than 20 agencies in 10 federal departments has contributed to its formulation, underscoring the necessity of a unified approach to this complex issue.
Key to the National Strategy is recognizing the need for practical, actionable recommendations to address gaps and support at-risk populations. This recognition is reflected in the first-ever Federal Action Plan, which outlines 200 specific actions to be implemented and assessed over the next three years. These actions range from integrating substance use and suicide risk management in clinical settings to establishing a mobile crisis locator for use by 988 crisis centers. Additionally, the plan includes increased support for survivors of suicide loss and the evaluation of community-based prevention strategies.
A pivotal aspect of the 2024 National Strategy is its emphasis on equity. Acknowledging that certain groups are disproportionately affected by suicide, the strategy incorporates a dedicated pillar to prioritize equity. This inclusion is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity, ensuring that interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of vulnerable communities.
The success of the National Strategy hinges not only on the breadth of its initiatives but also on the depth of its partnerships. This coordinated and comprehensive approach spans national, state, tribal, local, and territorial levels, requiring collaboration across public and private sectors. Crucially, engaging individuals with lived experience remains central to the strategy’s implementation, ensuring that policies and programs are grounded in real-world insights.
“Suicide is a complex public health problem, tragically impacting our friends, family members, neighbors, and community members nationwide,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has consistently prioritized the health and well-being of Americans, and this strategy—and the unprecedented interagency coordination demonstrated in the federal action plan—commits to the American people that we are here for you.”
Click here to read more about the National Strategy and Federal Action Plan.