News - Local
Suicide rate soars in Colorado
Posted: Sep 8, 2010 8:31 AM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Sep 8, 2010 8:32 AM
Suicides soared in Colorado in 2009, according to the Colorado Department of Health. The suicide rate is the highest in more than 20 years. Colorado annually has a suicide rate that is approximately 40 percent higher than the U.S. rate, according to Jarrod Hindman, program manager of the department's Office of Suicide Prevention. But last year, it increased even more with 940 deaths reported.
"The impact of suicide in Colorado is statewide, and it touches all ages of Coloradans, from children and adolescents to older adults," said Hindman. "In 2009, there was a significant increase in suicide deaths among those ages 25 to 44 and 85 and older."
The suicide rate, 18.4 deaths per 100,000 people, is the highest since 1988.
While Hindman did not say why Colorado suicide rate is 40 percent higher than the national average, he emphasized that suicide prevention help is available.
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