Utah’s suicide rate dips slightly after years
Nov 15, 2019, 12:14 PM | Updated: Jan 4, 2023, 2:46 pm
FILE - Laura Seitz, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s suicide rate dropped just slightly in 2018.
The suicide rate dropped from 22.7% to 22.2% per 100,000 people. Self-reported attempts decreased from 7.1% to 6.9%.
State officials say that the though the decrease is small, and not statistically significant, it is one worth noting.
They tell the Deseret News they want to recognize the opportunity to make this a trend. Crisis workers and researchers say they think it shows they are on the right track, through messaging or programs or more services.
Suicide is the seventh-leading cause of death in Utah, but the rate is one of the highest in the nation.
Advocates say because guns are the most common method of suicide putting more effort into proper firearm storage would prevent more deaths.
An average of 592 Utahns die by suicide every year. More than 4,500 attempt it.
Advocates urge anyone who is struggling or anyone with a loved one who may be at risk of suicide to use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time, by calling 1-800-273-Talk.
Read more of KSL Newsradio’s coverage of “Healing Utah’s Teenagers” here.
KSL’s combined coverage “Reasons to Hope” is found here.
And resources for help around Utah are here.
