Aetna CVS Health on track to reduce member suicide attempts by 20%

The pandemic has shined a light on the alarming suicide rate, especially among teens, and raised awareness of mental health issues. CVS Health this week reported significant progress toward its goal of reducing suicide attempts among its Aetna members by 20% by 2025.

In 2017, Aetna, a CVS Health company, initiated its support for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by the year 2025. Overall, the company saw a 15.7% reduction in suicide attempts through March compared to its 2019 baseline. This includes a 34% decrease among members aged 18 and older. However, suicide attempts among members between ages 13 and 17 increased by 43% during the same period.

“Our members are not immune to the national suicide crisis reported by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention],” says Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer for CVS Health. “Though we are on track lowering suicide attempts in adults, our goal will not be reached until we can say the same for adolescents.