North Carolina Unveils Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Strategy
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2026–2030. This five-year strategy aims to tackle the state’s suicide rates through a multi-faceted approach based on evidence and best practices.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized the plan’s importance, stating, “Suicides and suicide attempts have far-reaching and lasting impact on family and friends and the broader community.” The plan targets infrastructure reinforcement, improved care access, and addresses both risk and protective factors, with particular attention to groups at higher risk such as youth, veterans, older adults, and those in underserved communities.
Suicide remains a critical issue in North Carolina, ranking among the top five causes of death for individuals aged 10 to 65, and the fourth leading cause for those aged 10-18. Veterans face a particularly high risk, with suicide rates averaging 2.7 times higher than non-veterans between 2018 and 2022.
The action plan outlines several key strategies: developing coordinated prevention systems, limiting access to lethal means, enhancing community awareness and skills, better identifying and supporting at-risk groups, boosting crisis-response capabilities, expanding high-quality care access, and using robust surveillance to measure effectiveness. Special focus is given to rural areas that lack established support systems.
Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, highlighted the collaborative nature of the plan, saying, “With this collaboration, we have a strong five-year plan that details the strategies we will use to continue this crucial work. Bottom line, we want a system that meets people where they are, in schools and in their communities, to ensure the right care at the right time.”
In 2023, nearly 1,600 suicides were reported in North Carolina, according to the N.C. Violent Death Reporting System.
Formulated by internal experts, the plan was shaped by the latest suicide data, evidence-based strategies, the 2024 Health and Human Services National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, and insights from over 170 public comments. These comments came from diverse sectors, including clinicians, parents, community advocates, school staff, and individuals with personal experiences related to suicide.
State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Hannah Harms expressed gratitude for public input: “We are grateful for the valuable feedback we received from the public. We incorporated many of those comments and ideas into the plan, and we will continue seeking opportunities to expand and strengthen this work in North Carolina.”
Key components of the plan include expanding mental health training for non-clinical workers like barbers, increasing mental health services in schools, educating older adults about the risks of isolation, and enhancing support programs for individuals involved with the justice system.
Implementation of the plan will involve collaboration between NCDHHS and external community partners over the next five years.
As September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, the NCDHHS reaffirms its commitment to transforming mental health care in North Carolina, aiming for a system accessible to all residents.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website. This includes support for various mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and substance use.
- The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 via call, text, or chat.
- For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, assistance is available by dialing 988 on a videophone or visiting the website.
- North Carolinians can also contact the Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC [855-733-7762]) to speak with Peer Support Specialists who provide support through shared experiences.
- NCDHHS crisis services include mobile crisis teams and community crisis centers, ensuring access to help without requiring emergency room visits.
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