Question

number of deaths due to suicide, by firearm or other means, 2011 to 2022
2023 cdc data is provisional
firearm - related suicide deaths have been increasing in recent years and are now the most common method of suicide, accounting for 55% of all suicide deaths in both 2021 and 2022. deaths from other suicide methods have remained relatively steady. the recent increase in suicide deaths follows high levels of mental health symptoms during the covid pandemic, financial stressors, and difficulty accessing needed mental health care—particularly for some populations.
suicide deaths are increasing fastest among people of color, younger individuals, and people who live in rural areas. between 2011 and 2021, suicide death rates increased substantially among people of color, with the highest increase among american indian or alaska native people (70%), followed by black people (58%) and hispanic people (39%). the suicide death rate also increased among adolescents (48%), young adults (39%), and people who live in rural areas (26%) during the same period.
in july 2022, a three - digit crisis number, 988, launched nationally to provide an easy - to - remember way for people who are suicidal or experiencing a mental health emergency to connect with a crisis counselor and other resources. in its first year, 988 improved answer rates and reduced wait times while handling nearly 5 million contacts because of surging demand; however, its influence on overall suicide rates, particularly among people of color or other vulnerable populations, remains to be seen.
which finding, if true, would most support the trend characterized in both the chart and the second paragraph?
a) suicide rates among asian americans grew by 3.5% between 2021 and 2022
b) firearm - related suicide deaths among immigrants have risen by 66% from 2018 to 2022
c) rural spanish - speakers suicide rates grew by 39% because 988 is only available in english
d) firearm - related suicide rates among middle - schoolers are up 13% in two years

Explanation:

1. Analyze the trend: The chart shows firearm - related suicide deaths increasing, and the second paragraph states that suicide deaths are increasing fastest among people of color, younger individuals, and rural residents, with substantial increases among people of color (e.g., American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic) between 2011 - 2021, and also among adolescents, young adults, and rural residents.
2. Evaluate Option A: A 3.5% growth among Asian Americans (a group of color) between 2021 - 2022 is relatively small compared to the large increases (e.g., 70%, 58%, 39%) mentioned in the passage for other groups of color between 2011 - 2021. It does not strongly support the trend of fast - increasing suicide rates among people of color.
3. Evaluate Option B: Immigrants can be part of people of color, and a 66% rise in firearm - related suicide deaths among immigrants from 2018 - 2022 aligns with the trend of fast - increasing suicide rates among people of color and the overall increase in firearm - related suicides (from the chart). This shows a significant increase in a relevant group, supporting the trend.
4. Evaluate Option C: The reason given (988 only in English) is not related to the trend of increasing suicide rates among rural Spanish - speakers. Also, a 39% growth is in line with the growth rate of young adults (39%) but the causal factor is incorrect and it does not strongly support the trend as well as Option B.
5. Evaluate Option D: Middle - schoolers are younger, but a 13% increase in two years is relatively small compared to the 48% increase among adolescents (a younger group) between 2011 - 2021. It does not strongly support the trend of fast - increasing suicide rates among younger individuals.

Answer:

B. Firearm - related suicide deaths among immigrants have risen by 66% from 2018 to 2022