YPSILANTI, Mich. – A newly released report by the Washtenaw County Health Department shows that while the overall suicide rate among residents has trended downwards since 2018, men and white residents continue to be impacted the most.
Preliminary data from 2023 shows that 37 residents died by suicide, a number lower than both the Michigan and national average, officials said.
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“Mental health has a significant impact on our community,” said Washtenaw County Health Department epidemiologist Kaitlin Schwarz, in a release. “We hope this report provides useful data for our local mental health professionals and researchers as we work together to improve mental health and prevent deaths.”
Of those who died 89% were white, a 7% increase from 2021. This equates to around 11.8 people per 100,000 residents, which is still below both Michigan and national rates, but higher than the overall Washtenaw County rate of 10 people per 100,000.
In 2021, the suicide rate among white residents was 14 people per 100,000 residents.
Data in the Health Department’s report also shows that 74% of suicide deaths between 2021 and 2023 were of men, a trend that matches both national and state numbers. Three times the number of men died by suicide than women within Washtenaw County between 2020 and 2022.
“The majority of local suicides in 2022 and 2023 occurred among men. This is consistent with local trends over the past two decades, as well as with trends observed across Michigan and the United States,” the report states.
Although male suicide rates in the county have increased since the 2014-2016 period, the rate remains below the statewide rate. Preliminary data for 2023 shows what the report calls “a promising decrease in rates.”
Data shows between 2021 and 2023, 87% of firearm suicides were of men. The percentage of male suicide deaths incorporating guns were double that of women.
Although men aged 25-44 years were found to have the highest rate of suicide attempts among males -- a rate which has dropped 23% since 2021 -- middle-aged men were found to complete suicide more frequently.
The report found young women actually had the highest rate of attempted suicide among all Washtenaw residents, but there was an increase in attempts among both male and female residents between ages 25-44 and over age 65.
If you or someone you know has questions about suicide, call the Community Mental Health CARES team 24/7 helpline at 734-544-3050. Call 911 for immediate help.
Those with suicidal thoughts should call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org/chat/. Text “HELLO” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Residents wanting prevent firearm deaths can pick up free gun locks from the Health Department, at 555 Towner, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Learn more about suicide prevention resources in Washtenaw County here.