MDH Report Shows Deaths by Suicide Decreased in 2020

(KNSI) – Fewer Minnesotans died by suicide in 2020 than in 2019 despite an increase in alcohol- and drug-related deaths during the past year.

The Minnesota Department of Health says 723 people died by suicide in 2020, according to its preliminary report. That’s down from an all-time high of 830 in 2019. Before 2019, the number of suicides in the state had been steadily increasing.

The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.

Deaths by suicide decreased among Minnesotans younger than 65, but there was a slight increase among seniors during 2020.

“It’s a good sign to see that number drop, but 723 preventable deaths are 723 too many,” Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “We are not yet sure what impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on this trend, but it is clear that we must continue to support people and communities to address the causes of suicide.”

The decrease coincides with an increase in preventable drug- and alcohol-related deaths last year. According to the MDH, 1,008 Minnesotans died from drug overdoses and 992 died from alcohol-attributable causes in 2020.

“2020 was a year of extraordinary challenges, and the impact to Minnesotans is one we will need to explore on a deeper level,” said Stefan Gingerich, a suicide epidemiologist with the MDH. “While we are encouraged by the reduction in deaths by suicide this past year, given the high number of suicides each year we must remain vigilant and proactive in our prevention efforts.”

One of those efforts includes the MDH’s Kognito At-Risk virtual training program for school staff to help students find the support they need.

“Minnesota’s suicide prevention efforts are based on the belief that suicides are preventable, mental illness is treatable, and recovery is possible,” the MDH said in its preliminary report announcement.

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