Preventing Suicides in Rural Areas
Free suicide prevention webinar
Offered by the Rural Health Association of Utah
Originally Held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Rural Utah sees higher rates of suicide than in urban areas
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.
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. This webpage is a resource to help prevent suicides in rural areas.
Suicides in rural and urban Utah, 2014-2023
Webinar to address Utah's high rural suicide death rate
Opportunities to prevent suicide
Contact your local health department or the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health for more information.
Data resources for suicide prevention
Data resources for firearm injury prevention
