Higher suicide risk for men and indigenous peoples in Minnesota

USA Today

20-05-2025

Higher suicide risk for men and indigenous peoples in Minnesota
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Ask, listen and help: Keys to stopping suicide
Nearly 400 people packed an Oxnard College theater for a suicide prevention forum.
Tom Kisken, Ventura County Star
Minnesota's estimated suicide rate remained at 13.9 per 100,000 in 2024, unchanged from 2023.
While the rate held steady, it represents a 50% increase since 2000 and reflects concerning national trends.
Men, people in their 50s and 80s, and Indigenous Minnesotans remain at higher risk.
Minnesota's suicide rate held steady between 2023 and 2024, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health.
The 813 estimated suicides in the state last year work out to an age-adjusted rate of 13.9 per 100,000.
Death statistics are typically reported in age-adjusted terms to account for how the age composition of a population changes over time.
The long-term trend is one of steady increase. Since 2000, Minnesota's suicide rate has increased by roughly 50%.The pattern is similar nationally. Suicide is closely linked to some mental health conditions, as well as substance use and gambling disorders, both of which have been increasing. Economic uncertainty, chronic illness, easy access to guns, fraying social ties and other factors also play a role.
'The overall increase in deaths by suicide over the last couple of decades continues to be concerning,' said Minnesota Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham. 'Every death by suicide is a tragedy and can have an ongoing impact on families and communities.'
The demographic picture is similar to prior years: Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. People in their 50s and in their 80s are more likely to die of suicide than those in other age groups. Indigenous Minnesotans have the highest suicide rates, followed by white, Black, Hispanic and Asian Minnesotans.
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The suicide rate in the state's rural areas is about twice as high as in the Twin Cities, and previous research has found that the increase is happening faster in rural areas than in other places. Lack of access to mental health services is one major contributor.
Easy access to guns also plays a role in the elevated rural suicide numbers, and deaths involving those guns are increasing: Firearms were the mechanism in 43% of Minnesota suicide deaths in 2019, and in 51% of those deaths in 2024.
MDH officials are also keeping an eye on how draconian cuts to federal spending could impact the suicide rate and efforts to reduce it. President Trump's proposed federal budget would eliminate the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the White House has cut funding for the substance abuse and mental health services as well.
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The administration has also proposed cuts to the funding for some 988 suicide prevention hotline services.
Preliminary data shows that the state's 988 responders answered more than 90,000 contacts in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year, according to MDH.
Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, 988's caring counselors are here for you. Call or text 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741. Talk to trained counselors who care, 24/7/365
If you or a loved one is at imminent risk, please contact 9-1-1 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer.
• Phone: [phone] or 1-800-784-2433 – Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line
• TTY: 1-800-799-4889 Crisis Textline
• Text: MN to 741741 Adult Mental Health Crisis Response
Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, the nation's largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.