The rate of suicide in Lane County is 50 percent greater than the national average. In a new comprehensive suicide report, Lane County Public Health details circumstances of suicide deaths.
Many of the report’s findings are disturbing. There are about 80 suicide deaths per year in Lane County. Over half involved a firearm. Trying to pin point reasons for the high rate is difficult but some influences have be reported. Roger Brubaker is the county’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
“We have one of the greatest prevalence(s) of mental illness in the country, we have a very high veteran population, our population is older and predominately white,” Brubaker says, “and that’s one of the highest risk groups for suicide.”
Brubaker stresses there is help out there, it’s affective and it is ok to reach out. And, to those supporting someone in crisis?
“Act boldly and question people”, he says, “about how they’re feeling in a compassionate way that demonstrates that you care.”
The National Suicide Prevention lifeline is 800-273-TALK
To view the full Lane County specific Suicide Report, click here:
