# 2022 Pennsylvania Suicide Fact Sheet FINAL

- Summary: Overview of the PAVDRS Program The Pennsylvania Violent Death Reporting System (PAVDRS) reviewed over 3,000 violent deaths in 2022. Of these, 63% were suicides. The program collected data from death…
- Source: Blair County
- Published: 
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: https://www.blaircountypa.gov/getmedia/50e774b8-0db3-47e5-af14-5bef207a1dde/2022-Pennsylvania-Suicide-Fact-Sheet-FINAL.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/2022-pennsylvania-suicide-fact-sheet-final-opens-in-a-new-window/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Overview of the PAVDRS Program The Pennsylvania Violent Death Reporting System (PAVDRS) reviewed over 3,000 violent deaths in 2022. Of these, 63% were suicides. The program collected data from death certificates, coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement across 64 to 66 counties. Total Suicide Deaths: 1,942 (1,560 males and 382 females). Weekly Average: An average of 37 people died by suicide each week in Pennsylvania. Gender Disparity: Males were almost four times more likely to die by suicide than females. Rate Comparison: Pennsylvania's overall suicide rate (15 per 100,000) was slightly higher than the national average (14. 9 per 100,000). Demographics of Suicide Victims Race and Ethnicity White, non-Hispanic males accounted for 68% of all suicide victims in Pennsylvania in 2022. Other groups represented smaller percentages, with Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Multi-race populations making up the remainder. Age Groups The highest percentages of suicide deaths occurred in two specific age brackets: 30-39 years old: 17% of deaths. 50-59 years old: 17% of deaths. Other notable groups included those aged 40-49 (15%) and 60-69 (15%). Causes and Circumstances Leading Cause of Death Firearms: Involved in 54% of suicides overall. Males: 47% used firearms. Females: 7% used firearms. Suffocation: The second most common method (21% for males, 5% for females). Poisoning: Accounted for 6% of deaths in both sexes. Precipitating Circumstances Nearly half of the victims had a diagnosed mental health problem. Key factors identified in the month before death included: Current Mental Health Diagnosis: Present in 34% of males and 14% of females. Left Suicide Note: 28% of males and 7% of females. History of Mental Health Treatment: 19% of males and 8% of females. Suicidal Thoughts: 18% of males and 5% of females. Communication: In the month before death, 14% of people told another person they were considering suicide; most told an intimate partner or family member. Authority Contact: At least 20% of people were known to authorities such as police, emergency medical services, or social services.