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The Trust Project

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Yes.

Colorado consistently fell among the 10 states with the highest suicide rates from 2014 to 2022, federal data shows. The state’s highest rate during that period was in 2021, at 22.8 deaths per 100,000 people, the sixth highest in the U.S. In 2022, the rate dropped to 21.1 deaths per 100,000 people, the 10th highest among states.  

Colorado saw 1,290 deaths by suicide in 2023, state public health data shows. Of those, over half were inflicted by firearms. Three times more men died by suicide than women, though women are more likely to attempt suicide. The industry with the most suicides was construction. 

Other mountain states also face high suicide rates, which experts link to factors including easy access to firearms, lack of access to care, substance abuse, stress and the stigma surrounding mental health disorders.

See full source list below.

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References:

Suicide Mortality by state, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feb. 15, 2023. Source link.

Suicide in Colorado: Counts, 2004-2023, excludes race/ethnicity, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, accessed in January 2025. Source link.

Suicide Data: United States, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, accessed in January 2025. Source link.

Suicide in Colorado, Colorado Health Institute, May 8, 2023. Source link.

Rural Colorado’s “cowboy up” culture has led to high suicide rates. How can the state improve mental health in agriculture?, The Colorado Sun, Apr. 22, 2024. Source link.

Type of Story: Fact-Check

Checks a specific statement or set of statements asserted as fact.

Por recently graduated from CU Boulder with a master’s degree in journalism and is interested in writing about the environment and exploring local stories. When not working on some form of writing, Por is either looking for Thai food or petting...