Suicide Prevention Strategies in Colorado

Last year 1,058 Coloradans died of suicide – the highest number ever. With a rate of 19.4 deaths per 100,000 residents, we ranked 7th in the nation in 2013. In 2013 there were 57 suicide in Boulder County. 42% of these deaths were by firearms. The Colorado Dept. of Public Health reports that for every unintentional death firearm death there are 14 firearm homicides and 59 firearm suicides.

Scott LoMurray with the Sources of Strength youth suicide-prevention program in Colorado and Sarah Brummett, Suicide Prevention Commission Coordinator with the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention join us to talk about suicide prevention strategies.

Sources of Strength works “upstream” to build a support system of connections to schools and caring adults that helps protect kids from needing such interventions. Suicide is the leading cause of death among Colorado children ages 10 to 17. The program is in many schools around the state including several in the Boulder Valley School District.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help and hope are available24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1‐800‐273‐TALK (8255) or the Colorado Crisis and Support Line at 1‐844‐493‐TALK (8255).

Resources for those affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts:

• SAMSHA toolkit for schools
• School Safety Resource Center materials
• Foundation for suicide prevention media guide
• www.mantherapy.org

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