Suicide is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States (CDC). In Florida, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death, claiming over 3,427 lives in 2019. Additionally, suicide attempts result in an even larger number of non-fatal, intentional self-harm injuries. In 2018, the latest data currently available, over 20,000 non-fatal intentional self-harm hospitalizations and emergency department visits occurred. These conditions prompted Florida to focus on suicide prevention as a priority in the State Health Improvement Plan by taking the following actions:

• Providing training on suicide prevention and related behaviors to community and clinical service providers.
• Increasing suicide prevention efforts for high-risk populations.
• Collaborating across agencies to develop messaging and initiatives around suicide surveillance data from the Florida Violent Death Reporting System.

The Department of Children and Families coordinates these activities with its participating partners, the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Behavioral Health Association.

• Suicide and Behavioral Health Profile
• Suicide Deaths

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Florida Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Florida Department of Children and Families
• Florida Behavioral Health Association
• CDC Suicide Prevention
• Florida Suicide Prevention Plan 2016-2020
• Florida Action Steps for Suicide Prevention Efforts 2016-2020