Cook County Department of Public Health released its latest report, Suburban Cook County Suicide Report, highlighting local trends, disparities, resources and steps to support prevention and healing. Overall, suburban Cook County suicide rates are lower when compared to state and national averages.  In 2023, the suicide rates were: 9 per 100,000 in suburban Cook County, 13 per 100,000 in Illinois, and 14 per 100,000 nationally. The number of suicides in suburban Cook County has not changed significantly over the past five years. There were 267 suicide deaths in 2023 and 254 suicide deaths in 2018. Key Findings from the Report:

• Teens ages 10–19 had the highest rates of emergency department visits for suicide attempts. Female teens were nearly three times as likely to visit the emergency department for suicide as their male peers.

• For Hispanic residents, suicide rates almost doubled in five years, from 4.0 per 100,000 residents in 2018 to 7.0 per 100,000 residents in 2023.

CCDPH recommends a set of strategies that contribute to suicide prevention. While local and state partners have invested in these strategies, additional investments and coordination across programs will ensure equitable access and reduce deaths from suicide.

• Improving insurance coverage for mental health conditions. 

• Create protective environments: Support efforts to create healthy organizational policies and implement restorative practices in schools and other settings. 

• Coping and Problem Solving: Support emotional management and relationship building skills through social and emotional learning programs, which CCDPH provides funding for through its Building Healthier Communities grant program.

The full report is available on the CCDPH website.