In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness month, the Washtenaw County Health Department is highlighting resources to help people at risk of taking their own lives.
CDC statistics show more than 41,000 individuals die each year by suicide. The good news is, while rates have increased nationally, Washtenaw County shows a dip in suicide rates for the third consecutive year.
Communications Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Health Department, Lisa deRamos says one reason that suicide completion rates in the county are lower than both Michigan and national suicide rates may be due to funding support from the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage.
“We have lots of efforts within the county to combat suicide and raising awareness about mental health and promoting mental health resources within the county.”
Despite the overall drop in suicide rates in the county compared to state and national levels, suicide attempt rates for people aged 45-64 rose from 11.7 in 2023 to 13.8 in 2024. A Suicide Report compiled by the Washtenaw County Health Department indicates suicide completion rates are the highest among men.
“It could be because men choose more lethal means for suicide as compared to women and girls, especially in the age groups of 10 to 24. They have a higher suicide attempt rate, but men have a higher suicide completion rate.”
Firearm related suicide in Washtenaw County accounted for 46% of deaths from 2022-2024. As a preventative measure deRamos says the health department provides free gun locks for safe firearm storage.
A list of county resources for suicide prevention can be found below.
- WCHD 2024 Firearm Death Report and Press Release: https://bit.ly/fdrwc24
- WCHD 2024 Suicide Data Report and Press Release: https://bit.ly/june25wc
- WCHD Wish You Knew campaign
- Homepage: Washtenaw.org/wishyouknew
- Local mental health resource guide: https://bit.ly/wykhelp
- Instagram page: Instagram.com/wishyouknewwashtenaw (local mental health education/support opportunities: classes, trainings, support groups, etc.).
- What to expect when you call the 24/7 CMH Access Line (734-544-3050): https://www.instagram.com/p/DNyk2Fb5LvS/?img_index=1
- Coping skills toolkit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN8PO-9DaW0/?img_index=1
- #988 Day today to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and suicide prevention: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOWV3gskVJ1/?img_index=1
- Suicide Prevention Month: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOO20r8iLzP/
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