Every September, we promote Suicide Prevention Month.
At Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, by shopping and donating with us you directly fund our mission work in the community. This work includes our 24/7, complimentary crisis intervention hotline. This hotline is available to everyone throughout our region, with trained/caring/empathetic tele-counselors ready to help with any crisis situation.
Fast Facts About Suicide Prevention
Individual Impact:
- 78% of all people who die by suicide are male.
- Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
- While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms.
Community Impact:
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
- 8% of all adults
- 8% of young adults aged 18-25
- 8% of high school students
- 8% of lesbian, gay and bisexual high school students
- Some of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities.
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
- Transgender adults are nearly 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources.