HHS Releases a 10-year Plan for Suicide Prevention

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled a 10-year strategy to combat the nation's alarming suicide rates, with nearly 50,000 deaths recorded in 2022. The plan emphasizes bolstering community-based prevention, mental health care accessibility, and equitable surveillance.

Hannah Wesolowski from the National Alliance on Mental Illness lauds the inclusive "whole of society" approach, while the report mandates specific actions for federal agencies, marking a departure from past strategies. Key initiatives include data briefs on hospital admissions for suicidal ideation and mental health training for those aiding individuals facing housing challenges. This comprehensive plan marks a pivotal shift towards proactive public health intervention. Read more from HHS here.