Number of Suicides in Mesa County Increased Yet Again in 2012

Sadly for another year the Mesa County Coroner has released increasing numbers for suicides in 2012. The coroner has kept records since 2007 and the number continues to rise despite numerous resources.

The Chief Deputy Coroner Kim Hollingshead says that the number of suicides in Mesa County rose by 3 suicides in 2012, with a total of 47. The number of suicides has risen year-to-year with 44 in 2011, 32 in 2010 and 30 in 2009.

She also believes that an increasing number of suicidal people make some sort of plea for help or show interest in suicide. Although many don't know what to do after that. Many of the suicides were also for people seeking some sort of mental health treatment.

The Western Slope has several great resources to turn to including the Western Colorado Suicide Prevention Foundation and the Mesa County Health Department's Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition.