Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. While its causes are complex and determined by multiple factors, the goal of suicide prevention is simple: Reduce factors that increase risk (i.e. risk factors) and increase factors that promote resilience (i.e. protective factors). Ideally, prevention addresses all levels of influence: individual, relationship, community, and societal. Effective prevention strategies are needed to promote awareness of suicide and encourage a commitment to social change.
Data & Statistics
Public health burden of suicidal behavior among adults
aged ≥18 years — United States, 2008
Popular Publications & Articles
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
- Preventing Suicide: Program Activities Guide This guide describes CDC's public health activities and research to prevent suicide.
- Study Links Peer Violence and Suicidal Behavior
- Uniform Definitions To address the current lack of uniform definitions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed this document to improve and standardize data collected on self-directed violence.
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC)
4770 Buford Hwy, NE
MS F-63
Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
New Hours of Operation:
8am-8pm ET/
Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
