A new study finds South Carolina, like much of the nation, is seeing a decline in the number of deaths from alcohol abuse and drug overdoses. But the state is experiencing a rise in suicides.
An annual report, put together by the group Trust for America’s Health, shows that for the first time in decades, death rates from drugs, alcohol and suicide were all down by 16% in 2024 compared to the year before.
In fact, the decline in South Carolina for the three combined was greater at 19%, even as the Palmetto State saw a 9% hike in suicides. It was one of only four states to see a spike. Nationally, suicide rates dropped by 3%.
While the study’s authors tout the results as “a turning point” in mortality rates in the United States which peaked in 2021, they also call the progress “fragile”.
“Sustaining and building on recent progress requires the federal government to invest even more in programs that reduce and prevent harm — not cut them,” said the President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health, Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, in a statement.
Gracia said the study also finds that specific groups of people are not seeing the same progress, especially when it comes to suicide.
“We need to do even more to build strong policies and programs that help to improve everyone’s mental health and well-being,” she said.
Anyone experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis is encouraged to call the state’s 988 suicide hotline for free, confidential support.
