A growing health crisis among white non-Hispanic men has become a significant issue across the United States. From drug overdoses and suicides to liver disease, the number of deaths in this group is alarming, and experts are calling for action. This troubling trend has raised awareness about the mental and physical health struggles men, particularly middle-aged white men without a college degree, are facing.
Jewel Woods, the founder of Male Behavioral Health, highlighted a concerning trend after visiting the Franklin County Coroner’s Office in Ohio. There, he learned that over 70% of the bodies under investigation in critical categories such as overdoses, suicides, homicides, and motor vehicle fatalities were male. This pattern reflects a national crisis. Between 1999 and 2022, approximately 70% of overdose deaths and 76% of suicides in the U.S. involved men.
From 1998 to 2018, liver disease-related deaths among middle-aged white men increased by 41%, particularly affecting those without a college degree. These disturbing statistics have not prompted enough attention or solutions, especially as discussions around men’s health often get tangled in political arguments rather than focusing on the real crisis.
Anne Case and Angus Deaton, two economists from Princeton, coined the term “deaths of despair” to describe this crisis. It refers to deaths from drug overdoses, suicides, and alcohol-related liver disease, which have been rising, particularly among white men without higher education. Between 2013 and 2019, the mortality rate for these causes among white non-Hispanic men aged 25-74 without a bachelor’s degree increased dramatically. Drug-related deaths rose by 73%, suicide rates climbed by 17%, and alcohol-related deaths grew by 41%.
This crisis is not just about premature death. It also reflects increasing despair, as mental health issues and substance abuse continue to worsen in this group.
To address this growing crisis, Male Behavioral Health, in collaboration with the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, will host a “Deaths of Despair” public policy symposium on May 23 in Columbus. This event will focus on the social and health challenges affecting boys and men in Ohio. The symposium will feature respected speakers, including Richard Reeves, author of Of Boys & Men, and Tony Porter, founder of A Call to Men.
Across the country, both Republican and Democratic states are beginning to tackle these issues. For example, Utah has formed a Task Force on the Wellbeing of Men and Boys to address economic stability, mental health, and vocational opportunities. Similarly, Michigan and Maryland have taken steps to close gender gaps in education and workforce development, emphasizing support for men and boys.
The “deaths of despair” crisis requires a thoughtful and bipartisan response that considers race, gender, geography, and class. Addressing the specific needs of boys and men in public health discussions is crucial for improving overall health outcomes. The upcoming symposium in Ohio is an important step toward turning despair into hope, offering a path grounded in empathy and collective action.
