Health

VIDEO: Local Suicides Down During Pandemic

Video by Suzanne Bartole
Reading Time: < 1 minute

The number of San Diego deaths by suicide declined slightly in 2020, according to a new annual report by the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council. The findings were presented today at a press conference with Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher, Vice Chair Nora Vargas, SPC representatives and behavioral health professionals.

In 2020, which included the first 10 months of COVID-19, 419 people died from suicide, 10 fewer than the previous year’s total of 429. However, the consequences of the pandemic have boosted demand for mental health services. The SPC report highlights improvements to mental health assessment, treatment and access to support services.

To view the complete report, visit www.spcsandiego.org.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Access & Crisis Line at 888-724-7240, seven days a week/24 hours a day and multiple languages available.

Anita Lightfoot is a group communications officer with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact