Up To Date

Suicides Dropped Nearly 6% During The Pandemic

By Steve Kraske,

Published September 8, 2021 at 5:35 PM CDT

Ways To Subscribe

While the COVID-19 pandemic has been an unsettling time, suicides have declined substantially to below 45,000 per year here in the United States. — Despite the COVID-19 pandemic being an unsettling time, suicides have declined to below 45,000 per year in the United States.

A decline in suicides was also experienced during the influenza epidemic that started in 1918.

There's been a jump in the number of Americans feeling depressed and anxious, substance abuse has risen, and gun sales have increased. Suicide rates, however, have not followed suit.

According to the CDC, suicides were down almost 6% last year, the sharpest decline in four decades.

Two members of SASS-MoKan (Suicide Awareness Survivor Support) talked about what could explain the reduction.

Bonnie Swade, co-founder of SASS-MoKan
Mark Fenton, SASS-MoKan board member, chaplain for Kansas City Hospice

Tags

Up To Date Podcast suicide prevention suicide Coronavirus mental health

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

See stories by Danie Alexander

Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

See stories by Zach Wilson