As homicides, suicides rise in Ohio, firearms playing a larger role, HPIO analysis finds

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Both homicides and suicides have significantly increased in Ohio over the past two decades and firearms have been used in a greater percentage of those deaths, new analysis from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio has found (see graphic above).
 
Between 1999 and 2020 (the most-recent year in which data is available), suicide deaths in Ohio increased 49% from 1,102 to 1,644 and homicides increased 123% from 450 to 1,004.
 
The percent of homicides in which a firearm was used has also risen steadily over the past two decades. In 1999, a firearm was used in 57% of homicides, and in 2020 that percentage increased to 82%. In 2020, a firearm was used in 54.9% of suicides.
 
“As Ohio policymakers debate firearm safety legislation, it is important that they consider the latest data on the trends between suicide, homicide and firearms,” said HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee.