Trends in Adult Suicide Rates in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, 2002 through 2020.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Monitoring suicide rates is an important public health strategy to inform prevention efforts. We describe rates of adult suicide in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, over a 19-year period. METHODS: Data on all adult suicides from 2002 through 2020 (n = 981) were obtained from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office. Subpopulation rates were identified using the Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health System. RESULTS: Suicide rates increased significantly over the study period, with disproportionate increases among Black and Latinx residents. DISCUSSION: Expanded prevention efforts are needed to reverse this concerning trend. Further research should guide development of culturally relevant interventions, provide data for the equitable allocation of limited resources.