According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide has risen almost steadily during the 21st century, with increases experienced for both males and females in nearly every age and race and Hispanic-origin group.

The report found there were 49,449 suicides in the U.S. in 2022, which was 3% higher than the 48,183 in 2021.

In Pennsylvania in 2022, suicide wasn’t among the top 10 leading causes of death when, according to the CDC, 1,955 people took their own lives in the state.

According to the Butler County Coroner Office, there were 19 suicides in the county in 2022 — down from 37 the previous year. That number dropped to 35 in 2023.

Boiling such a devastating topic down to statistical data always feels dehumanizing, but the numbers are important for at least one important thing: the sense of shock that such a growing number can cause.

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and, according to a report in Monday’s Eagle by staff writer Eddie Trizzino, the Butler Suicide Coalition will pay tribute next month to the 35 county residents lost to suicide in 2023.

The coalition will place 35 pairs of shoes around the fountain at Butler’s Diamond Park on Sept. 4, to represent the lives lost during the coalition’s annual Suicide Remembrance Rally. The event is an opportunity for people affected by suicide and people struggling with mental health to convene and share their stories.

At the same time, according to another Monday report by Eagle community editor Paula Grubbs, the St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi parishes, which include six Catholic churches in northern and eastern townships in the county, have taken on the mantle of mental health awareness and assistance through a number of activities and events.

The Warrior Walk of Hope will promote suicide awareness, prevention and education. The sixth annual walk will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Karns City Junior/Senior High School athletic field.

Those who walk pay $25 and all proceeds benefit iR;se To Save Lives suicide prevention program.

The event attracts 200 to 250 people each year. All are invited to participate.

The parishes’ mental health ministries program also will offer a Suicide Healing and Remembrance Mass at 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 668 Clearfield Road, Fenelton.

We anticipate many more such events will take place in September, and we encourage people to get involved. As with any set of statistics, you and your loved ones may not be among a shocking number now, but that could change quickly.

— RJ