Capitol News

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that one in five U.S. adults who die by suicide had spent at least one night in jail within the year before their death. The research emphasizes the importance of providing targeted prevention, screening, and outreach resources to this group to help reduce adult suicides nationwide.

Jennifer Johnson, founding chair of the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health at Michigan State University and co-author of the study, stated, “The 7.1 million Americans released from jail during the year have an average suicide risk that is nine times the risk of other American adults.” She added, “Twenty percent of suicides occurred among those who were released from jail in the past year and another 7% were by those in their second year post-release. Focused suicide prevention can and should target this group.”

Ted R. Miller, principal research scientist at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Maryland and lead author of the study, noted that many individuals detained in jail are often released back into the community within days. He highlighted their elevated risk for suicide: “They are walking around in the community with us and too often are at high risk for suicide.”

The research team suggests that community health services play a crucial role in connecting over 7 million people per year who experience detention with appropriate resources promptly. They recommend health systems, including federally qualified health centers, as key partners in enhancing suicide prevention efforts for this population.

Lauren Weinstock, PhD, professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University and co-author of the study, pointed out that several established suicide risk factors such as trauma exposure, substance use, mental health issues, and social disparities are prevalent among those detained. However, jails often lack sufficient resources to screen effectively or intervene.

Providing healthcare systems with information about individuals interacting with criminal-legal systems poses challenges but also opportunities for improvement through better coordination. More funding for community mental health services could prevent legal involvement due to issues like homelessness or public nuisances.

Brian K. Ahmedani from Henry Ford Health emphasized a significant finding: “A major takeaway from the study is the need for health systems to be aware when one of their patients interacts with police, courts or jails.” He suggested timely community outreach could significantly reduce nationwide suicide deaths.

Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), this study is part of efforts by NCHATS—a national research center co-led by Michigan State University—to create connections between healthcare organizations and justice systems to identify individuals at risk for suicide and provide necessary care.