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Data and Surveillance

Collecting timely and accurate suicide-related data is critical to developing successful suicide prevention efforts and measuring the impact of our work.

Improving National Data Systems

To advance work in this area, the Action Alliance (Data and Surveillance Task Force) reviewed existing national data systems and issued several recommendations aimed at enhancing data collection and surveillance.

Specific recommendations include:

  • Linking national data systems to improve the quality, specificity, and accuracy of suicide-related data
  • Promoting uniform reporting on suicide through the use of standard language and definitions of self-harm and suicidal thoughts
  • Advancing syndromic surveillance capabilities to improve access to timely suicide-related data
  • Adding suicide-related items to national health surveys
  • Including valid and reliable questions on sexual orientation/gender identify on national surveillance systems
  • Improving the ability to monitor changes among subgroups
  • Improving the timeliness and quality of information obtained from death certificates

"The task force members believe that successful implementation of these recommendations will significantly enhance the development of a national coordinated program of fatal and non-fatal suicide surveillance. Such a coordinated program would facilitate evidence-based action to reduce the incidence of suicide and suicidal behavior in all populations." - Action Alliance's Data and Surveillance Task Force Member

See full report in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

National Action Alliance
for Suicide Prevention

300 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2010
Waltham, MA 02451

info@theActionAlliance.org

Thank you for reaching out to us via email. The Action Alliance is not a crisis line. If we are concerned about an email you send to our inbox, we will forward your communication to 988. Please know that we care about you, and that you don’t have to answer the call from 988, but their resources are always available. If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicide or mental health related crisis, please call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org.