A new report says the rate of young people dying from firearm suicide in Idaho has increased nearly twice as fast as the rest of the nation over the past decade. It’s the latest grim news for a state already grappling with one of the highest overall suicide rates in the nation.
The gun control advocacy group Everytown For Gun Safety analyzed national firearm suicide trends for youth ages 10 to 24.
It found that Idaho youth completing suicide by firearm rose by 105% over the past 10 years. That’s far higher than the national rate, which increased by 56% over the same time period.
Idaho has the fifth-highest overall suicide rate in the nation. And that number has been steadily rising over the years.
States with high rates of gun ownership, like Idaho, tend to have higher suicide rates. Experts say storing guns safely, including keeping ammunition and firearms separate, can reduce risk.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 208-398-4357. You can also visit their website, idahosuicideprevention.org.
Follow Heath Druzin on Twitter, @HDruzin
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