The Pew Charitable Trusts

Deaths by suicide reached the highest number ever recorded in the United States in 2022. To close out #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth, we looked at the trends in suicide risk across demographics, and the results are concerning. Here are the details: 1. An increase in suicidal ideation was found among young adults. 2. Suicide attempts rose significantly among Black adults and multiracial groups. 3. Less than 50% of people with suicidal ideation received mental health care, and groups with the highest risk (young adults, racial and ethnic groups) got even less care. It’s clear that universal risk screening across healthcare settings is critical, but providing culturally competent care can also save lives among at-risk groups. #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #PewTrusts https://pew.org/4eVXqVM

In the wake of Affordable Connectivity Program funding lapsing, states are scrambling to identify ways to keep their residents connected to the internet. In fact, all 50 states—plus D.C. and Puerto Rico—named “affordability” as residents’ primary barrier to broadband access in their 2024 digital equity plans. Some states—like California, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Minnesota—are considering creating their own subsidy programs to help households cover the cost of monthly service subscriptions and devices. Others—like Maine and North Dakota—are planning to set up connectivity hubs where residents can come for free Wi-Fi, device and digital literacy support, and telehealth service. But affordability isn’t states’ only concern. “Price is just one component of affordability,” writes our Kelly Wert in the first of a three-part series examining how states are using federal funds to address critical broadband expansion issues. “People in unconnected households may struggle to access affordable broadband offers and need assistance signing up for low-cost service, accessing devices, and learning digital skills.” #DigitalInclusion #DIW2024 https://pew.org/3ZSktfD

Community response teams aim to keep people with mental health issues out of emergency rooms and jails by providing specialized support in a crisis—and they're seeing early signs of success in Texas. ?? Hear from first responders—and community members in Abilene, TX—on the latest episode of "After the Fact." https://pew.org/4dwT2v6

Low-cost homes (<$150k) used to be the first rung on the economic mobility ladder. But small mortgages to buy these homes are increasingly hard to get. Between 2004 to 2021, small mortgage lending dropped 70%. New research shows that homebuyers often struggle to obtain small mortgages even in metro areas where low-cost homes are plentiful. And when buyers can’t access these loans, they often resort to risky alternative financing. @The_New_York_Times https://ow.ly/EpQj50TCySv

Tax incentives cost states billions in tax revenue each year. So how can your state ensure it can answer the question: "Is this tax incentive investment worth the cost?" Regular incentive evaluations, says our Alison W. Tax incentives—such as credits, exemptions, or deductions—are designed to encourage investment and spur economic growth by reducing the taxes for certain businesses or industries. However, it's crucial to ensure that the programs are actually delivering on their promises. More than two-thirds of states now require that tax incentive programs are regularly evaluated, ensuring: ? Better resource allocation ? Smarter government spending ? Increased transparency and accountability By taking a closer look, states can make sure their tax incentive investments truly deliver! https://pew.org/3zKYTPF

We’re pleased to announce a new initiative to help democratize and modernize energy production in America. After all, as our Tom Dillon and Laura Lightbody write, "The U.S. cannot afford to rely on an electric grid that was built for the demands—and the weather—of last century." One way to move forward? Policies that boost the use of distributed energy resources (think solar panels and home batteries). When connected, they can make communities more resilient and energy independent, and save Americans billions in the transition to clean energy. And we couldn’t be in better company. Joining us in our push to rapidly accelerate the deployment of distributed energy sources are Audrey Zibelman, former chair of the New York State Public Service Commission, and Pat Wood, former chair of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. #cleanenergyfuture #sustainability #renewableenergy https://pew.org/4eJ5R6E

A third of Philadelphia’s business owners are immigrants. That’s double their share of the city’s population. Here’s what we know: ? Immigrants are more likely to be self-employed than U.S.-born residents. ? The most common businesses are in construction, food service, and transportation. ? Immigrant entrepreneurs often rely on family, friends, and personal savings for funding. This is just a glimpse of the driving force behind the city’s economic diversity and growth, running a wide range of businesses. Check out the full report. https://pew.org/3zyatxo #Philadelphia #ImmigrantWork #EconomicGrowth

?? "The solutions are non-partisan." How can #Republicans & #Democrats work together to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies? The Pew Charitable Trusts I had a great conversation with We Don't Have Time at NYC Climate Week discussing bipartisan solutions to clean energy deployment. I quoted the Honorable Neil Chatterjee “we are building in red states to meet blue state demand”.

To close out National Suicide Prevention Month, our team at The Pew Charitable Trusts has a new interactive looking at trends and disparities in suicidal thoughts and behaviors in recent years. Our main takeaways: the U.S. saw?increases in the overall rate of suicide attempts?and the rate of people experiencing suicidal thoughts, with sharper increases among certain sociodemographic groups. And less than half of people with suicidal thoughts receive mental health care. So what can help? More universal screening -- where every patient is asked if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or planning a suicide attempt regardless of what kind of medical facility they are visiting or why. #suicideprevention #suicidepreventionmonth https://lnkd.in/eRQHe5ch

?? Mangrove stakeholders convened at New York Climate Week for the event “Breaking Silos: Uniting Policy, Finance, and Action for Mangroves” to drive policy and finance to achieve the goals of the Mangrove Breakthrough, a global initiative to protect and restore 15 million hectares of mangroves worldwide by 2030. ?? It was energizing to hear how governments, financial institutions, philanthropies, and non-profit organizations are rallying around the Mangrove Breakthrough to mobilize capital and implement mangrove-positive policies with the shared goals of enhancing coastal resilience, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change by conserving these amazing ecosystems! ? Read more about the event in my article below ? Luz Angélica Gil Kristina Rodriguez The Pew Charitable Trusts Thomas Hickey Ignace Beguin Billecocq Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf Global Mangrove Alliance The Nature Conservancy Conservation International Wetlands International Smithsonian Institution FAO Rare NDC Partnership IUCN The Ocean Foundation WWF Benjamin Christ Jennifer Howard Jill Hamilton Gillian Sawyer Susanna Tol Steven Canty FAO Maria Nuutinen Lisa Schindler Murray Emily Goodwin Emily Landis Sarah Hertel, Ph.D. Adriana Vidal Christopher Roy Benjamin Navarro Diaz Nigel Topping, CMG Ambition Loop Loreley Picourt