Mesa County Public Health prepares an annual report in collaboration with the Mesa County coroner and Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

The group collects and analyzes information to understand local suicide trends. Findings inform prevention efforts.

“Our biggest takeaway from this year’s report is the suicide death rate in Mesa County has stabilized in recent years, but remains higher than both the state of Colorado and the United States,” said Shae Lynn Watt, data team lead at Mesa County Public Health.

Feeling connected to other people — at work or in a neighborhood or cultural group — lowers the risk of suicide.

“The workplace is connected to a person’s overall well-being. For businesses, the goal can be to foster a work environment in which employees can openly discuss mental health and access resources they need to reduce their risk factors,” Watt said.

Another key finding in the report is firearms are responsible for half of suicide deaths in Mesa County. Men are nearly three times more likely as women to use a firearm in a suicide death.

Local businesses are involved in an innovative program in Mesa County and Colorado to address this issue. Gun shops and pawn shops participate in Colorado’s Gun Shop Project, providing information about suicide risk and distributing gun locks to encourage safe storage.

There are other resources in the community to share with your employees as well. Education and awareness are key to making sure people at risk of suicide get help.

Mesa County Opioid Response Group partners provide community training and substance abuse recovery support. Grand Valley Connects, a resource navigation program at Mesa County Public Health, assists people with complex needs. A variety of free suicide prevention and intervention training programs also are available. Community members are encouraged to choose a training that fits their needs so they’re prepared if a family member, friend or someone at their workplace needs support.

Fostering an open workplace and sharing these resources could make a difference in the life of someone experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Visit our website to learn more about available resources and explore the data in the annual suicide report — https://bit.ly/3AN3aSK. If you’re struggling or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, text CO to 741741 or call 988.