Thank you for taking the time to learn about an issue that is quietly taking so many of our loved ones right before our eyes. Suicide is a significant public health issue in the United States, claiming over 48,000 lives annually, making it one of the leading causes of death. The national suicide rate has been steadily rising since 2000, with particular concern among young adults, middle-aged individuals, and veterans. Men are disproportionately affected, dying by suicide at rates four times higher than women, though women attempt suicide more frequently. Methods like firearms, suffocation, and poisoning are common. Suicide rates vary by region, with rural and western states experiencing higher rates compared to urban areas. Mental health disorders, substance abuse, social isolation, and access to lethal means are key risk factors. Addressing this crisis involves improving mental health care, reducing stigma, and expanding access to supportive resources.

In The Beginning

In 2019, Team Suicide Prevention (TSP) was founded by Bill Taitano.  He knew first-hand how deeply suicide affects survivors of suicide.  In 2016, Bill received a call from the Kauai, Hawaii police department that his daughter had been murdered by her ex-husband who then killed himself in the presence of their nine year old daughter.  Suicide survivors often experience a complex and intense mix of emotions. These can include overwhelming guilt, profound sadness, and a deep sense of isolation. Many struggle with the burden of unanswered questions and "what if" scenarios, questioning what they could have done differently to prevent the loss. Survivors may also feel anger, both towards the deceased for leaving them and towards themselves for not recognizing the signs or intervening. This emotional turmoil can be compounded by societal stigma, which can make it difficult for them to express their grief and seek support openly. Additionally, survivors frequently face intense grief that can manifest in physical symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite. The path to healing is often a long and challenging journey, requiring substantial emotional support and, sometimes, professional counseling. Unfortunately, Bill had to endure this journey firsthand while powered by his love for his young granddaughter.   He knew he had to take action to help others, so he decided to turn his tragedy into something positive as founder of Team Suicide Prevention, a 501c-3 nonprofit organization.  

As an avid cyclist, he reached out to cycling friends to form a team to participate in the  2021 Race Across America (RAAM), one of the most respected and longest-running ultra-endurance events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community.  Not only has RAAM proved to be one of the most challenging races in the world, but has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice.  The goal for RAAM was to use the race as a platform to raise awareness from coast to coast that suicide is preventable. 

An eight-person team accompanied by 8 crew members covered over 3000 miles, from California to Maryland, in 7 days.  TSP formed a partnership with Hope Is Oxygen and the Coffee Bunker which are two Tulsa organizations working on the frontline of suicide prevention, and were able to make donations to them that year.  The following year TSP participated in Race Across the West,  a 900 mile race from Oceanside, CA to Durango, CO, raising awareness and funds for their partner organizations.

In 2023, TSP and Bixby Bicycles became closely aligned after a fellow cyclist committed suicide.  They have partnered at many events including the Tulsa Ironman to raise funds for suicide prevention.  Together they have expanded community awareness that suicide is preventable and that it is ok to ask for help.  In several cases, TSP has been able to facilitate referrals to mental health professionals on behalf of individuals who needed our help.  Team Suicide Prevention is proud to have donated thousands of dollars to our local organizations on the frontlines of suicide prevention. 

Today TSP continues its work with Bixby Bicycles, Hope is Oxygen, The Coffee Bunker, Hope is Alive, Oklahoma Mental Health Association, and City Cycles.  Bill has made himself available to speak to audiences interested in suicide prevention.  On occasion, his granddaughter, who lost both her parents in a murder-suicide, has accompanied him to these engagements.  We welcome more opportunities to speak with teens in schools and churches as suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among our youth

In the beginning, we sought to raise awareness through the health and fitness arena.  Today we are reaching out to the general public and inviting people from all walks of life to join our mission to prevent suicide and assist those suffering from mental health issues to get the help they so desperately need.  

We ask you to take a moment and browse through the website to learn more about Team Suicide Prevention and what we do. The statistics below are a call to action to join our team to help save lives.

The Overall Brutal Statistics of Suicide

• Total Suicides: In 2021, over 48,000 people died by suicide in the U.S., making it a leading cause of death.

• Rates: The national suicide rate was about 14 per 100,000 people in 2021. The rate has generally increased since 2000, though there was a slight decline in 2019 and 2020.

Demographic Breakdown

By Gender:

• Men: Men die by suicide at a rate about 4 times higher than women.

• Women: Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men account for about 80% of suicide deaths.

By Age:

• Young Adults (15-24): Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10–34. The rate among young adults has risen significantly in recent years.

• Middle-Aged Adults (35-64): This age group accounts for the highest number of suicides in the U.S.

• Older Adults (65+): Suicide rates are also high among older adults, especially men.

By Race/Ethnicity:

• White Americans: The highest suicide rates are observed among non-Hispanic whites, accounting for almost 70% of suicide deaths.

• Native Americans/Alaska Natives: This group has one of the highest rates of suicide, with young adults being particularly at risk.

• African Americans and Hispanics: These populations have lower suicide rates compared to whites, though rates have been rising among younger African American males.

Methods

• Firearms: Are the most common method of suicide, accounting for approximately 50% of all suicide deaths.

• Suffocation (hanging) and poisoning (including drug overdoses) are the second and third most common methods, respectively.

Geographical Variations

• Highest Rates: Western and rural states tend to have higher suicide rates, with states like Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska often topping the list.

• Lowest Rates: Urban and more densely populated states tend to have lower suicide rates.

Risk Factors

• Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are major contributors to suicide risk.

• Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug misuse also play a significant role in increasing suicide risk.

• Social Isolation: Loneliness, lack of social support, and access to lethal means are additional risk factors.

Veterans

• Veterans face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. In 2020, about 17 veterans per day died by suicide.

The trend in suicide rates has been alarming, prompting efforts for increased mental health support and awareness initiatives.