National trends show that suicide deaths have steadily increased in the U.S. since 2007, with youth suicide rates more than doubling in the same time period. In 2020, Oklahoma ranked 6th in the nation for suicide mortality, and the number of youth suicide deaths in the state was higher than the national average.
Despite increased funding and research for prevention strategies, suicide has continued to persist as a public health crisis in the U.S. and in Oklahoma. We must strengthen efforts and explore innovative policy strategies to decrease suicide deaths across the state. This paper provides an overview of policy recommendations and best practices for suicide prevention in primary care settings.