The Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition has reported a drop in the county’s suicide rate.
In a report presented to County Commissioners on Wednesday, Dr. Nicole Klaus of the KU School of Medicine reported 94 suicides in the county for 2023, a drop of 13 percent from the previous year. She said it was also the lowest suicide rate in the county since 2015. The number represents 18 suicides per 100,000 people.
Dr. Klaus said the county’s suicide statistics tend to fluctuate from year to year and they trend higher than the national average, but she credits the decrease to increasing support programs available through COMCARE and prevention programs in schools and local agencies, as well as the 988 Lifeline that is available.
The report shows a decline in suicide rates among people 54 and under, with a slight increase for people 55 and older. Men make up the vast majority of suicide deaths and firearms have been the most common method.
Dr. Klaus said 58 percent of the suicide deaths had a known history of mental illness, 51 percent had a known history of suicidal thoughts, and 43 percent had a known history of medical illness. She said for younger people, relationship stresses are the most common factor, and for adults over 64 the main factor is medical health stress.
County Commissioners approved a proclamation for National Suicide Prevention Week, September 8th through the 14th. More information on suicide prevention is available on the county’s web site at sedgwickcounty.org
