Few Hospitals Follow Recommended Practices for Evidence-Based Suicide Care
In 2022, suicide claimed the lives of an estimated 49,449 people in the United States, making it the 11th leading cause of death nationwide. Research has shown that almost half of those who die by suicide interact with the health care system within four weeks of their deaths. And those who are hospitalized for suicide risk face an elevated risk of dying by suicide post-discharge, making this a critical time for these patients to have access to resources, support, and care that can keep them safe in the event of a suicidal crisis.