In a country of just over 3 million people, Uruguay faces one of the highest suicide rates in the Americas. Recognizing that every suicide attempt is a critical warning sign, the nation has taken bold steps to change how these moments are detected and followed up.

In 2022, Uruguay launched a nationwide digital registry for suicide attempts, requiring all 97 emergency departments to report cases within 24 hours. What once relied on slow, paper-based reporting is now a real-time system that provides health professionals and policymakers with immediate, accurate information.

The impact is already visible. Mental health professionals can now access data instantly, allowing for rapid follow-up care within 48 hours and again at 7 days—an approach aligned with global best practices. At the same time, the system gives decision-makers critical insights into who is most at risk, helping shape policies and prevention strategies grounded in evidence.

The registry was carefully designed to be simple, fast, and reliable, taking emergency staff just five minutes to complete. To ensure quality, entries are validated daily, and quarterly audits keep the data consistent. The success lies not only in the technology, but also in political commitment, collaboration across sectors, and strong clinical guidelines that make sure the information leads to action.

Uruguay is now seen as a regional leader in suicide prevention, showing how digital innovation can bridge the gap between crisis response and long-term care. While no single system can prevent suicides on its own, Uruguay’s approach proves that timely data, combined with compassion and coordination, can make a real difference.

At its core, this system isn’t just about statistics. It’s about saving lives, strengthening care, and moving from reaction to prevention.