Suicides up in Ohio in 2021, ODH reports

The number of Ohioans who died by suicide increased in 2021, according to new data from the Ohio Department of Health (Source: “Ohio suicides increased in 2021, according to new Ohio Department of Health report,” Ohio Capital Journal, June 2). 

Suicide deaths in Ohio increased 8% to 1,766 deaths from 2020 to 2021 — meaning five Ohioans die by suicide every day, according to ODH’s Suicide Demographics and Trends 2021 report. 

Suicide was the 12th-leading cause of death in Ohio and second-leading cause of death for Ohioans ages 10-34 years in 2021, according to the report. Females accounted for 19% of suicide deaths and men accounted for 81% of suicide deaths.

Firearms were involved in more than half of all suicide deaths. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to get in touch with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.