Health Department report shows 12% decrease in suicide deaths in Washtenaw County

Content warning: This article contains discussion of suicide. 

The Washtenaw County Health Department released its annual suicide report in September 2026, just in time for National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide deaths decreased by 12% from 2024 to 2025. This is the lowest rate of suicide deaths in the county since 2018.

“Washtenaw County’s suicide rate remains below both the Michigan and national suicide completion rates,” Patty Krause, a community health analyst with the Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a statement. “Our hope is that this report can inform prevention efforts and raise awareness of the importance of local mental health resources.”

The annual suicide report is released each September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Sept. 10 is observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day. Many organizations hold events and share information about mental wellness and suicide prevention during this time.

Eastern Michigan University’s Disability Resource Center hosted a Together Walk in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10.

Local suicide prevention

The Washtenaw County Health Department offered community resources for those in need of help.

"Suicide is preventable and help is available," department officials said a statement.

The Wish You Knew campaign has goals in reducing stigma related to mental health and helping youth who might be struggling. This campaign is run by the county health department and "aims to spark honest and supportive conversations about mental health between youth and adults, reduce stigma, and share resources," as described on the department website.

Washtenaw County holds an annual Community Needs Assessment, and mental health was identified as a top issue by residents in the most recent assessment. The county holds a Mental Health Workgroup and has implemented mental health into its Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan and hosts Washtenaw Alive, a suicide prevention coalition.

The department also offers free gun locks to help prevent firearm-related death and injury. Residents can visit the Washtenaw County Health Department at 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti and stop at the clinic desk to receive a lock.

EMU's Counseling and Psychological Services offers students 10 free counseling appointments each year and can be contacted on its website or at 734-487-1118. Support is available after hours by calling the phone number.

“September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and mental health treatment and support can save lives,” Susan Ringler Cerniglia, the health department's communications and community health promotion administrator, said in a statement. “There are actions we can all take to look out for each other. Learn the warning signs of suicide, familiarize yourself with supportive resources, and reach out for help if you need it or if you are concerned for someone else.”

Demographics

36 Washtenaw County residents died by suicide in 2025. The following data is all sourced from the Washtenaw County Suicide Report. All 2025 data is preliminary and subject to change.

Age

• 6 residents less than 25 years of age
• 13 residents between the ages of 25 and 44
• 17 residents between the ages of 45 and 64 years
• 10 residents ages 65 and older

Race

87% of suicide deaths in Washtenaw County were white residents between the years 2023 and 2025. Washtenaw County’s population is 74% white.

7% of 2025 suicide deaths in Washtenaw County were residents who identify as African American or Black, 5% were Asian, and the remaining percentage identified as another race.

Sex

Following national and state trends, suicide rates are significantly higher in men than women in Washtenaw County; 3.2 women and 16.3 men out of 100,000 completed suicides in 2025.

Location

Twelve out of the 13 ZIP codes in Washtenaw County fit within the national Healthy People 2030 Goal (12.8 or fewer suicides per 100,000 people) in a three-year rolling average from 2023-2025. While the overall rate in the county fits within this goal, the Manchester ZIP code, 48158, had 18.1 suicides per 100,000.

Non-fatal suicide attempts

While rates in suicide deaths decreased from 2024 to 2025, the rate of non-fatal suicide attempts increased. 

In 2024, 15.5 residents out of 100,000 survived a suicide attempt, and in 2025, 17.3 out of 100,000 survived. 

Women are more likely to have non-fatal suicide attempts than their male counterparts. In the years 2023-2025, 53% of non-fatal suicide attempts were made by women, 45% were by men, and 2% identified as other genders.

The county saw an increase in suicide attempts across all age groups.

The report said, “Demographic trends in suicide attempts continue to differ from those seen in suicide completions. While completions are more frequent among middle-age males, young adult females ages 10-24 years have consistently had the highest rate of suicide attempts.”

Resources

Washtenaw County Health Department offered community resources for those in need of help. 

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is available 24/7 at 734-544-3050.

The national suicide and crisis lifeline can be accessed by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org/chat/. 

If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911.

The health department lists the following warning signs for those at risk of suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no purpose, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, or being a burden to others
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings.

Washtenaw County Health Department staff wrote in an email, “If someone you know shows warning signs of suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Take them seriously, talk to them in private, and ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. See more recommendations on what to do if someone is at risk for suicide American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.”