2022 Pennsylvania Suicide Fact Sheet FINAL
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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.