Alcohol and suicide among racial/ethnic populations – 17 States, 2005-2006

MMWR. June 19, 2009; 58(23):637-41. This report analyzes data from the National Violent Death Reporting System in 2005-2006. The overall prevalence of alcohol intoxication was nearly 24% among suicide decedents tested for alcohol, with the highest percentage among American Indian/Alaska Natives (37%), followed by Hispanics (29%) and persons aged 20-49 years (28%). The authors conclude that many populations can benefit from culturally appropriate suicide-prevention strategies that include efforts to reduce alcohol consumption.