Deaths of Despair Indicator Updated with Latest CDC Data (2020-24)

An updated indicator is now available showing deaths of despair—suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related mortality—using the latest CDC WONDER data. Reported as rates per 100,000 population, the data provide an updated view of how these overlapping causes of death vary across communities and highlight differences in mental health and substance use outcomes across report areas.

New data and maps for mortality indicators from CDC NCHS (2020-24) are now available!

CDC WONDER mortality indicators have been updated for key causes of death, including lung disease, cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, injuries, poisoning, suicide, homicide, and motor vehicle crashes. These updates provide the latest data to track leading causes of mortality and inform prevention and public health efforts.