When we talk about workplace safety, our minds usually jump to hard hats or slick floors. However, the latest data from Mesa County Public Health shows just how important it is to expand our definition of employee well-being to include mental health.

Mesa County Public Health, along with the Mesa County Coroner’s Office and the Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition, recently released the 2025 Annual Suicide Report. While the report highlights ongoing community efforts, several key findings hit close to home for business owners, managers and team leaders:

• Men face disproportionate risk: The suicide fatality rate among men in Mesa County was more than three times higher than among women. With men making up a large portion of local trades, agriculture, construction and technical industries, this isn’t just a community statistic, it’s a workplace reality.
• Young workers are struggling: Youth and young adults accounted for more than one-third of all suicide-related emergency department visits. For employers hiring entry-level talent, apprentices or young adults, providing a supportive environment is more critical than ever.
• Strain on local systems: Following the loss of critical local resources, including the closure of West Springs Hospital, suicide-related emergency-room visits increased. This places an even higher premium on proactive, everyday community support.
• Positives to build on: Substance involvement at the time of death has significantly decreased over the last two years. Also, local youth are reporting a stronger sense of belonging.

“This report doesn’t just show the impact of suicide in Mesa County, it shines a light on the prevention work already under way,” said Jennifer Daniels, Mesa County Public Health Behavioral Health Division director and lead for the Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition. “It’s an open invitation for our entire community to step up and join these life-saving efforts.”

How local businesses can take action

Suicide prevention isn’t just for medical professionals. As employers and co-workers, we are uniquely positioned to notice when a team member is struggling. Equipping everyday community members with tools and confidence to support each other is key.

Here are ways your business can help build a safer, healthier workforce:

• Promote the 988 Lifeline: Post the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line in break rooms and safety bulletin boards. Let your team know that calling or texting 988 offers immediate, confidential support.
• Encourage early connections: Resources such as Grand Valley Connects help residents navigate support systems before a situation becomes a crisis. Ensure your human resources department or leadership team knows where to point employees when they need help.
• Normalize open conversations: Normalizing conversations about stress and mental health reduces stigma.

“I hope community members will take a moment to look through the report,” Daniels said. “It highlights how far our prevention efforts have come and creates a safe space for us to talk openly about suicide during moments of calm, rather than only in times of grief.”

To read the full data and explore prevention initiatives, visit the Mesa County Public Health Suicide Prevention webpage at mesacounty.us/public-health.

If you or someone on your team is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, immediate help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Colorado Mental Health Line.

Sarah Gray is a communication specialist with Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, call (970) 248-6900 or visit mesacounty.us/public-health.