Suicide Rates in Michigan Jump 33%, Only State to see drop-off is NevadaHot Buzz

June 09, 2018 09:58
Suicide Rates in Michigan Jump 33%, Only State to see drop-off is Nevada

(Image source from: Detroit Informer)

The rate of suicides in Michigan enhanced by about 33 per cent betwixt 1999 and 2016, joining most other states across the country with a spike in the number of people taking their own lives.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention made the statistics public this week, finding that the general national rate of suicides augmented by 25 per cent. The only state to see a drop-off was Nevada, officials said.

At least seven states saw an increase of suicides of at least 40 percent or higher, according to the CDC statistics.

"The fact suicide is increasing in Michigan as well as across the country is very concerning," said Lynn Sutfin, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. "There are nearly 1,400 known suicides annually in our state."

Sutfin said that most suicide prevention work in Michigan is being done by local organizations and agencies. The state has a $736,000 federal grant for youth suicide prevention, and that has funded programs in Marquette and Oakland counties as well as training for mental health professionals and "gatekeepers," those who have personal contact with many others in their community to recognize and respond to people at potential risk for suicide.

Gatekeepers can be teachers, coaches, spiritual leaders, principals, law enforcement officers, school administrators and others.

State officials urge those who are considering ending their lives to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

By Sowmya sangam

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Suicides  Suicides in Michigan  Michigan