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A recent study has revealed that individuals with health insurance, higher incomes, and internet access have a lower probability of dying by suicide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report indicating that counties with lower rates of health insurance coverage, broadband internet access, and household income experienced higher suicide rates.

Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of preventing crises: “Suicide is preventable, and we understand what measures can effectively stop it, offering relief to families and friends affected by such losses,” she stated during a press briefing.

Over the past twenty years, the nationwide suicide rate has steadily increased, with an estimated one suicide occurring every 11 minutes in the U.S. In 2022, over 49,000 lives were lost to suicide, and projections indicate that 2023 may see similar figures. The highest suicide rates were found among Native American populations, followed by white individuals. Men were at a greater risk than women, with rural areas showing higher suicide rates compared to urban settings.

This CDC report presents a new perspective on the issue of suicide risk, which is often exclusively associated with mental illness, neglecting other critical contributing factors, according to experts.

“Everyone faces some risk of suicide,” remarked Michiko Ueda-Ballmer, an associate professor of public health administration and international affairs at Syracuse University. “This means that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility for all of us.”

Ueda-Ballmer, who did not participate in the CDC study, contributed to a recent series in Lancet Public Health focusing on the social factors affecting suicide risk. She highlighted that the CDC findings address “contextual factors” that shape an individual’s life beyond just personal mental health risks.

The CDC analyzed federal data concerning individuals who had died by suicide and compared this with census data at the county level, focusing on factors like household income and the percentage of people with health insurance and internet subscriptions.

The study found that the suicide rates among Native Americans and white individuals, as well as men and people aged 25 to 44, were significantly lower in counties with higher rates of health insurance, internet access, and household income. In counties with the best health insurance coverage, the suicide rate was found to be 26% lower than in areas with the least coverage. Furthermore, counties with the highest internet access experienced a 44% reduction in suicide rates compared to those with minimal access. Suicide rates were also 13% lower in the wealthiest counties compared to the poorest.

According to Alison Cammack, the study’s lead author and a health scientist from the CDC’s Suicide Prevention Team, access to health insurance, internet, and higher income levels is linked to reduced suicide risk.

However, the findings were not uniform across all demographics. For instance, women in areas with the lowest levels of insurance, internet access, and income had suicide rates similar to those in higher-income areas. Additionally, Black individuals exhibited consistent suicide rates regardless of their health insurance coverage.

The researchers concluded that improving access to essential resources could be crucial in preventing suicides. Ensuring better health insurance coverage could facilitate access to mental health care, routine medical services, and crisis intervention. Communities with a higher income typically have their basic needs met more effectively.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, around 19 million people in the U.S. lack reliable internet access. Officials have previously labeled internet accessibility as a “super determinant of health,” impacting health outcomes and influencing essential life factors. Having internet access can enhance opportunities for better education, employment, telehealth services, and maintaining social connections and support systems.

Furthermore, researchers acknowledged other local factors that might influence suicide risk. The study did not include higher-risk groups such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, or sexual and gender minorities. They also recognized potential gaps in data concerning Native and Hispanic communities, which may lead to underreporting of suicide deaths in these groups.

Researchers advocate for a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, aligned with the strategies outlined in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. This encompasses enhancing economic support, improving access to mental health services, and fostering healthy community connections and coping mechanisms. They also emphasized the importance of limiting access to lethal methods, including firearms, for vulnerable populations.

In rural areas, efforts to ensure in-home safety can pose challenges, especially in communities where firearm ownership is common. Ethan Dahl, co-director of ND HOPES, a CDC-funded suicide prevention initiative, highlighted that in western North Dakota—where the rate is 29.2 suicide deaths per 100,000, more than double the national average—community buy-in is essential for effective interventions such as safe firearm storage education.

Reflecting on the situation in rural North Dakota, Dahl observed the profound impact of suicide on the community: “Many individuals have firsthand experience with suicide through acquaintances. It is a devastating issue, particularly for tight-knit communities. Yet, they exhibit remarkable strength and resilience.”