Death Rates from Homicide and Suicide

“All the Lonely People”
(New York Times — May 18, 2013)
Over the last decade, the United States has become a less violent country in every way save one. As Americans commit few and few crimes against other people’s lives and property, they have become more likely to inflict fatal violence on themselves.

“Report: Oregon’s suicide rate higher than nation’s”
(Oregonian — May 2, 2013)
New figures showing a sharp increase in suicides across the nation among middle-aged Americans show an even bigger increase in Oregon.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows Oregon saw a 49.3 percent increase in suicides among men and women aged 35-64, compared to 28 percent nationally.
[Note: Oregon’s statistics do not include deaths under the state’s law permitting doctor-prescribed suicide.]

“Suicide Rates Rise Sharply in U.S.”
(New York Times — May 2, 2013)
More people now die of suicide that in car accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In 2010 [the latest reporting year], there were 33,687 deaths from motor vehicle crashes and 38,364 suicides….The rise may stem from the economic downturn….Another factor may be the widespread availability of opioid drugs like OxyContin and oxycodone, which can be particularly deadly in large doses.  [Note:  that number is more than double the 16,259 homicides for the same time frame.]

“Assault or Homicide”
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention — 2013)
The number of homicide deaths in 2010 [the latest reporting year] were 16, 259.