Suicide rates in the United States remain stubbornly high, but new research suggests that community-level factors – access to health insurance, broadband internet, and income – may play a significant role in reducing risk. The findings, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on , highlight the importance of addressing social and economic determinants of health as part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.
The CDC’s Vital Signs report examined suicide rates across U.S. Counties in , correlating them with levels of health insurance coverage, broadband internet access, and household income. The data revealed a clear association: counties with the highest levels of these three factors experienced significantly lower suicide rates.
Specifically, suicide rates were 26% lower in counties with the most comprehensive health insurance coverage compared to those with the least. Areas where the majority of households had broadband internet access saw a 44% reduction in suicide rates. And, for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, suicide rates were halved in counties with the highest income levels compared to those with the lowest.
“Often, suicide prevention focuses on helping people who are in crisis,” explained Dr. Debra Houry, CDC Deputy Director for Program Science and Chief Medical Officer, during a press briefing. “While critically important, the CDC’s approach to suicide prevention is to increase factors that promote resilience and to reduce factors that increase suicide risk, to keep people from ever getting to a crisis.”
The study’s lead author, Dr. Alison Cammack, a Health Scientist on the CDC Suicide Prevention Team, emphasized that these factors likely act as protective elements. “Health insurance coverage helps people access mental health and primary care services and treatment,” she stated. “High-speed internet connects people to prevention resources, job opportunities, telehealth services, and friends and family. And household financial resources help families secure basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.”
The findings are particularly relevant for vulnerable populations. The report noted that suicide rates remain disproportionately high among males, rural residents, and American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The association between community factors and lower suicide rates was most pronounced within these groups, suggesting that targeted interventions addressing these social determinants could have a substantial impact.
However, researchers cautioned that the study demonstrates association, not causation. While the data strongly suggest a link between these community factors and suicide rates, it does not prove that improving access to health insurance, internet, or income will directly prevent suicide. Other factors, not examined in this study, undoubtedly contribute to suicide risk.
“many barriers challenge a person’s ability to access health insurance, broadband internet and higher income,” Dr. Cammack noted. “For example, tribal and rural communities may lack the infrastructure to obtain internet access.”
The CDC’s comprehensive suicide prevention program currently invests in 28 sites across the U.S., working to improve the conditions in which people live, work, and age. The agency also funds organizations supporting tribes, veterans, and other at-risk groups. The 2024 National Suicide Prevention Strategy, co-led by the CDC, focuses on preventing suicide risk by addressing underlying factors, identifying and supporting individuals at increased risk, preventing reattempts, promoting long-term recovery, and providing support to survivors of suicide loss.
Recognizing the warning signs of increased suicide risk is also crucial. These include expressing hopelessness, social isolation, changes in sleep patterns, and increased substance use. Help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, accessible by calling or texting 988, or through their online crisis chat.
“Suicide is preventable, and we know what works to stop it,” Dr. Houry concluded. “By implementing these community-level prevention programs and recognizing the warning signs, we can all save a life.”
The CDC encourages communities and organizations to implement proven actions, such as promoting healthy connections through school-based programs and improving access to financial security, to reduce suicide risk. The agency’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action provides further guidance and resources.
