The suicide death rate in rural Utah hit its highest point in a decade in 2023. According to a new report from the Violence and Injury Prevention Program of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. The report shows a rate of 26.0 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in rural Utah in 2023. In contrast, Utah’s urban areas had a suicide death rate of 18.6 per 100,000.
According to Jonathan Argyle, an epidemiologist with the Violence and Injury Prevention Program, “Firearms were involved in 63.3% of suicide deaths in rural areas and 53.6% in urban areas. Among the suicide cases where firearm storage information was available, 87.2% of the firearms were not stored safely. Safe storage means keeping firearms unloaded and locked away.”
Amanda McIntosh, the Suicide Prevention Liaison at Four Corners Community Behavioral Health, serving Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties, understands the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.
“My husband, Brian died by suicide in 2014. Our daughter was 16 months old,” said McIntosh. “I wanted to keep this from happening to other families in my community. I work full-time in suicide prevention and also volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Utah Chapter. Additionally, I help run the Hope Squad of Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties, which is our community-based coalition. My goal is to help my community find resources locally, state-wide, and nationwide.”
“Resources like gun locks, gun cases, and ammo boxes, can help prevent suicide deaths,” said McIntosh. ““Medication lock bags can also help prevent suicide deaths by drug poisoning.”
Some professions that are common in rural communities, like mining and farming, have higher rates of suicide. Additionally, barriers like distance to mental health providers, difficulties in taking time off work, and stigma can make it harder to seek help.
A webinar on June 26 from noon to 1:00 p.m. will help healthcare providers and community members learn more about suicide prevention. Register for the free webinar here.
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