Professor emeritus authors new book challenging misclassification of suicide in the U.S.

Ian Rockett, professor emeritus of epidemiology at West Virginia University School of Public Health, is shedding light on an overlooked public health crisis in his upcoming book, “Hidden Suicides and Fatal Overdoses: A Forward Path.” The book takes an in-depth look at the widespread undercounting and misclassification of suicides in the United States, revealing factors that obscure the true scale of self-inflicted deaths.

Using a mix of research and personal reflection, Rockett emphasizes the emotional and social dimensions of suicide and calls on professionals in public health, medicine, forensics, and policy to challenge the limitations of official suicide statistics. His work urges a more honest and comprehensive accounting approach to better inform prevention, treatment, and policy efforts.

“Hidden Suicides and Fatal Overdoses: A Forward Path” is slated for release on January 6, 2026, and is available for preorder through Johns Hopkins University Press, Waterstones, and other online sites.