COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the first time in three years, Ohio has reported a decline in suicide deaths, with a decrease of about 1% in 2023, according to the latest data released by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The state’s suicide fatalities dropped to 1,777 last year, 20 fewer than in 2022. While the national suicide rate also saw a slight decrease, Ohio’s decline stands out as a potential sign of progress amid ongoing mental health challenges.
Governor Mike DeWine, who has prioritized mental health initiatives during his tenure, hailed the drop as a step in the right direction. “Ohio has become a national leader in addressing the mental health crisis, and this latest report indicates welcome progress,” DeWine said. However, he emphasized that the fight against suicide is far from over. “Depression and suicide remain a serious threat—especially to our kids. If anything, our progress should inspire us to further advance our commitment to this life-saving work, because the life of every Ohioan is precious.”
In 2023, suicide remained the second-leading cause of death among Ohioans aged 10-14 and 20-34, and the 12th-leading cause overall. On average, nearly five Ohioans died by suicide each day, including one individual between the ages of 10 and 24 every 36 hours. ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., emphasized the human toll of suicide, calling it a tragedy that impacts not just the victims but entire communities. “Suicide is a human tragedy. It impacts the health and well-being of our loved ones, friends, co-workers, and entire communities,” Vanderhoff said.
The report highlights significant disparities in suicide rates. White non-Hispanic males continued to account for the largest portion of suicide deaths, representing 68.7% of total suicides in 2023. However, the report also noted promising declines among specific groups, including Black non-Hispanic females and White non-Hispanic females, who saw a 6% drop in suicide rates.
Firearms remained the leading method of suicide, responsible for 58% of deaths. Meanwhile, the number of suicides linked to drug poisoning rose by 11%.
As part of a broader effort to address the crisis, Governor DeWine’s administration has been active in rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at improving mental health services and suicide prevention. Ohio’s efforts have included the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which since its debut in July 2022, has answered more than 440,000 calls, chats, and texts from Ohioans in crisis. With 19 call centers, the state boasts the highest number of 988 centers in the nation.
Additionally, Ohio has focused on bolstering its infrastructure for suicide prevention at the local level, including the establishment of suicide prevention coalitions and Centers of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention at Ohio University and Miami University. These initiatives aim to provide training and resources to improve early intervention, particularly for youth.
The state has also taken significant steps to address mental health among specific high-risk populations. In 2024, Ohio introduced the Black Youth and Young Adult Suicide Prevention Initiative, which targets at-risk youth in select counties and works to reduce suicide rates within the Black community. The initiative, which focuses on stigma reduction and increasing access to care, is being implemented through a partnership of 23 organizations.
Another key focus has been expanding mental health resources for veterans, agricultural communities, and older adults—groups that are often overlooked in broader suicide prevention strategies. Ohio has implemented several programs, such as the Older Ohioan Suicide Prevention Steering Committee, to address increasing suicide rates among the elderly. The state also launched the Recovery Friendly Workplace program to provide support for employees dealing with mental health issues or substance misuse.
Despite these efforts, the 2023 data highlights that suicide remains a persistent problem in Ohio, with more work to be done. OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn stressed the importance of community involvement in reducing suicide rates. “Every Ohioan can play a role in reducing suicide in our communities simply by talking about mental health,” Cornyn said. “Every time we remind someone that they are not alone, and that help is available, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and spread hope.”
Ohio continues to build on its comprehensive approach to mental health, which includes improving the availability of crisis services, integrating suicide prevention into healthcare systems, and providing schools with tools to support student well-being. With ongoing efforts to address mental health and the state’s commitment to reducing suicide rates, the 2023 report offers a cautiously optimistic outlook for Ohio’s future mental health landscape. However, as Governor DeWine noted, there is still much to be done. “The life of every Ohioan is precious,” he said, reinforcing the need for continued action in suicide prevention.