Latest CDC Numbers Show Iowa’s Suicide Rate Higher Than Illinois & Wisconsin

I'm no stranger to this cause of death. Few things are harder than watching a loved one slip away after a failed suicide attempt. The emotional toll a suicide can produce for those left behind can create a spiral of devastation.

As an individual with unwanted experience in this area, the rise in suicide numbers nationwide, especially in my own state of Iowa are a major concern. Watching my children grow and learn has been a joy, but the increased pressure of outside forces, social media, bullies, and disconnected parents; has always got me on edge. Additionally, the stresses on adults can be overwhelming: bills, insurance, taxes, medical issues. You name it.

Recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a concerning picture for Iowa, where the suicide rate is higher than both Illinois and Wisconsin, and the national average. While suicide rates have been a nationwide concern, the new numbers highlight distinct differences in our Tri-State area.

Iowa: A Rising Concern

Iowa's suicide rate has seen a notable increase, putting the state above its neighbors. The latest data shows that Iowa's suicide rate stands at around 18.2 per 100,000 people.

Mental health professionals have pointed to factors such as rural isolation and loneliness, lack of access to mental health care and the stigmas that surround it, and economic pressures as possible contributors. For many Iowans, the combination of these factors has created a difficult environment, making the state’s rising suicide numbers a call for urgent attention and action.

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Wisconsin: Struggling with Mental Health Challenges

Wisconsin's suicide rate, while lower than Iowa’s, also remains concerning at about 15.8 per 100,000.

The state has seen ongoing efforts to address mental health, particularly among its youth and farming communities, but struggles with similar issues of rural healthcare access. Wisconsin’s government has introduced several mental health initiatives in recent years, yet the numbers show that more work is needed to bring these rates down.

Illinois: Lower, but Still Troubling

In Illinois, the suicide rate is lower compared to Iowa, sitting at approximately 10.7 per 100,000.

Although this is a significant difference, Illinois still faces challenges in providing adequate mental health resources. The state has seen progress in some areas, especially in urban centers like Chicago, where community-based programs and outreach efforts have been expanded. However, in rural parts of the state, much like Iowa, access to care remains limited.

National Context: A Growing Issue

On a national scale, the CDC reports the overall suicide rate in the U.S. at about 14.5 per 100,000 people. This puts Iowa significantly above the national average, while Illinois sits comfortably below it, and Wisconsin is just a bit above. Nationwide, suicide rates have been steadily climbing, especially among certain demographics such as middle-aged adults and veterans.

These numbers remind us that mental health challenges vary across states, but every region faces its own set of issues. The higher suicide rate in Iowa should serve as a wake-up call for increased mental health funding, better access to care, and ongoing community support, both locally and across the country. While states like Illinois and Wisconsin continue to address their challenges, it’s clear that the broader mental health crisis requires a collective effort to reverse these troubling trends.