Source: Health Polity Institute of Ohio
Both homicides and suicides have significantly increased in Ohio over the past two decades and firearms have been used in a greater percentage of those deaths, new analysis from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) has found.
Between 1999 and 2020 (the most-recent year in which data is available), suicide deaths in Ohio increased 49% from 1,102 to 1,644 and homicides increased 123% from 450 to 1,004.
The percent of homicides in which a firearm was used has also risen steadily over the past two decades. In 1999, a firearm was used in 57% of homicides, and in 2020 that percentage increased to 82%. In 2020, a firearm was used in 54.9% of suicides.
“As Ohio policymakers debate firearm safety legislation, it is important that they consider the latest data on the trends between suicide, homicide, and firearms,” said HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee.