Suicide and Overdose Data from St. Tammany Parish

An early analysis of data shows an increase in suicides but a decrease in accidental overdoses compared to the same period last year, according to St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape. 

As of June 14, 2024, lives lost to suicide in St. Tammany Parish is up by 20% from the same period last year. The most common method was by firearm use. Decedents range in age from 17-76.

As of June 14, 2024, accidental overdose deaths in St. Tammany Parish fell 21.7% from the same period last year. There have been 36 such deaths compared to 46 for the same period last year.   These decedents range in age from 19-73. The most common fatal toxins were fentanyl and methamphetamines, although many had ingested a combination of toxic substances. 

Help is available. For information about suicide prevention, contact St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS) at 985-237-5506. “For those having suicidal thoughts and for those suffering with addiction, help is also available through a variety of sources,” Tape said. “Among other resources, people in crisis can call or text 988, a free, 24-hour service that is available in both English and Spanish. And, of course, 911 is always the first, best resource in an acute situation.”

“Although our agency is typically thought of as a resource dealing only in death, preventing unnecessary deaths is part of our mission,” Tape said. “I appeal to everyone in our community to look out for their friends, family and neighbors, and to reach out without hesitation if there is an opportunity for help.”