#United States #Arlington #CDC #ASTHO #Suicide Prevention

ASTHO's Innovative Legal Mapping Resource

On July 24, 2025, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) unveiled a crucial interactive tool designed to bolster suicide prevention initiatives across the United States. In partnership with Temple University and backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this resource titled Legal Mapping of State and Territorial Infrastructure to Prevent Suicides sheds light on the varying state laws and structures surrounding suicide prevention efforts.

Significance of the Resource

Suicide represents a major public health challenge, particularly for vulnerable demographics. In 2023, it tragically emerged as the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 34, claiming over 49,000 lives nationwide. Disturbingly, certain groups—such as residents of rural areas, older adults, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, those with disabilities, and veterans—exhibit disproportionately higher suicide rates. Underlining the urgency of these issues, ASTHO’s CEO, Dr. Joseph Kanter, highlights the necessity of understanding legal frameworks in suicide prevention.

Exploring the New Interactive Tool

The interactive legal maps provide a comprehensive overview of state laws as of January 1, 2025, focusing on aspects such as:

• - The establishment of designated suicide prevention offices or coordinators
• - The formation of population-focused suicide prevention task forces or groups
• - Bodies that review suicide fatalities, including their data collection processes

Key Findings

The ASTHO's legal maps reveal notable insights that can inform health policy and strategic interventions:

• - Twelve jurisdictions have enacted laws establishing a suicide prevention office or a coordinator, with eight located within health departments.
• - Another twelve have laws that form suicide prevention task forces, commissions, or advisory bodies.
• - Moreover, thirty jurisdictions are noted to have laws that set up committees or bodies tasked with reviewing aspects of suicide fatalities.

These findings are pivotal for identifying gaps in state-level suicide prevention initiatives and recognizing effective practices that can be emulated across other jurisdictions.

Upcoming Webinar

To further discuss the implications of this new resource, ASTHO is hosting a webinar on July 30, titled State and Territorial Infrastructure for Suicide Prevention Exploring New Legal Maps. This online event will allow stakeholders to delve deeper into the data and its applications.

About ASTHO

ASTHO serves as the national nonprofit representing public health agencies across the U.S., including territories and freely associated states. With over 100,000 public health professionals under its umbrella, ASTHO is committed to promoting sound public health policies and practices. The release of this legal map underscores its ongoing efforts to enhance public health infrastructure tailored to each community's unique demands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the launch of ASTHO’s comprehensive Legal Mapping tool marks a significant step towards improving suicide prevention strategies across numerous jurisdictions. By utilizing this resource, health officials and policymakers can evaluate their respective legal frameworks and adopt best practices that are aligned with evidenced-based interventions to mitigate the national suicide crisis.