CDC

Firearm suicide decedents were less likely to seek mental health help

June 16, 2025

A CDC analysis of 683 suicide decedents from Alaska, Colorado, and Washington between 2020 and 2022 found that 54.6% died by firearm. The study linked state cause-of-death records with electronic health records from three health systems to examine health care use in the year preceding death. While most individuals had at least one health care encounter, those who died by firearm suicide were significantly less likely to have received mental health care services compared with those who died by other means. This disparity was consistent across outpatient mental health visits, primary care visits with a mental health diagnosis, and emergency care.

The findings underscore a critical gap in suicide prevention efforts: individuals at risk of firearm suicide may not be identified through traditional mental health care pathways. The report emphasizes the need for broader suicide prevention strategies within general health care settings, particularly primary care, to better identify and support individuals at risk. Expanding screening and intervention efforts beyond mental health-specific encounters could be vital in reducing firearm-related suicides.

Source:

Angerhofer JE, et al. (2025, June 12). CDC. Health Care Use Preceding Suicide by Firearm Compared with Suicide by Other Means — Alaska, Colorado, and Washington, 2020–2022. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7421a2.htm