Suicide Prevention in Diverse Populations: A Systems and Readiness Approach for Emergency Settings

Suicide is a serious, preventable public health problem. In the US, suicide is a leading cause of death, ranking third among youths aged 15 to 24.1 Rates of suicide attempts and death are highest among US Pacific Island indigenous youths—70% higher than their European American counterparts.2 Emergency departments (EDs) play a key role in suicide prevention. It has been well documented that EDs may be the primary or only source for health care, especially for those in rural areas and minority populations. A recent study found that youths in rural areas were nearly 4 times more likely to use an ED for mental health care than were youths in urban areas, and they have more frequent disposition to inpatient and outpatient care.3