EDC Suicide Prevention Initiatives Support Development of 2024 National Strategy

EDC is proud to support the development of the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy), unveiled this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This National Strategy reflects a renewed commitment to reducing suicide rates, offering hope and actionable paths forward for saving lives, and building healthier communities.

Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Strategy represents a collaborative effort to address an increasingly critical public health issue. Guiding the development and dissemination of the strategy were two key EDC initiatives—the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), housed at EDC, and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), in which EDC is a partner.

“The 2024 strategy introduces a bold, decade-long plan that emphasizes a whole-of-society approach to suicide prevention,” said EDC’s Colleen Carr, director of the Action Alliance. “Through key learnings, new research, and insights from those with lived experience, the strategy covers new ground on topics such as best practices in suicide care, youth and social media, the intersection of suicide and substance use, and the importance of social determinants of health and health equity.”

Central to the strategy is the first-ever Federal Action Plan (Action Plan), detailing over 200 actions for federal support over the next three years. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of collaboration among public and private sector partners, individuals with lived experience, and communities disproportionately affected by suicide.

“This latest announcement is not just about a new strategy,” added Alex Karydi, EDC project director and suicide prevention expert. “It’s a call to action for communities across the country to come together and address suicide prevention with renewed focus and resources.”

For more information and to join this vital effort, please visit hhs.gov/nssp and suicidepreventionstrategy.org.