2022 Suicide Report Released, Prevention Remains Priority in Mesa County

If you’re struggling, or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text CO to 741741.

BACKGROUND

The annual suicide report is prepared in collaboration with Mesa County Public Health, the Mesa County Coroner, and the Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition. The group collects and analyzes data to understand suicide trends and key findings. The report is used for planning and implementation of prevention activities across Mesa County. 

“This report was initially intended to help understand the scope of suicide death and crisis in our community,” said Mesa County Public Health Data Analyst Shae Lynn Watt. “Today, we hope it also paints a picture of prevention efforts across Mesa County, and helps readers find an access point for their own role in suicide prevention.”

Suicide prevention is not limited to mental health experts. It is happening through a variety of ways in Mesa County, including offering affordable quality childcare, resource connection and navigation, grief groups administered by multiple organizations in the community, and medication take back days. There is also a wide variety of free training available. Community members are encouraged to choose a training that fits their needs so they can be more prepared next time their family, friends, or coworkers need support.

View the complete annual report here.

KEY FINDINGS

• The suicide death rate in Mesa County remains higher than both the state of Colorado and the United States.
• Suicide death is most common among working age adults, 25-64, but hospital visits for suicidal ideation and attempt are most common among youth and young adults under 25.  
• Drugs or alcohol were involved at the time of death in nearly 75% of suicide deaths.
• Those who die by suicide have often made previous attempts. In 2022, one in four people who died by suicide had a known previous attempt.

SUICIDE PREVENTION IN ACTION

Innovative programs and activities are underway in Mesa County by healthcare, government, business, and nonprofit organizations.

• Mesa County has a family loss coordinator based out of the Coroner’s office who offers support to families who have experienced a suicide loss.  In 2022, the coordinator supported more than 160 people.
• We continue to see a partnership grow between gun shops, the VA hospital suicide prevention program, and the Gun Shop Project program. Every gun shop in Mesa County has free gun locks available for purchasers to reduce the likelihood that the gun might lead to a firearm death.
• Grand Valley Connects was established in 2022 at Mesa County Public Health to help with resource navigation. They receive more than 50 referrals per month from people in our community who need help getting connected to resources and providers.
• The Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition continues to work towards its goal of reducing suicide by 20% by 2024.