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According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates in 49 out of 50 states increased between 1999 and 2016.
In Ohio, there was a 36 percent increase in suicides in Ohio.
According to Linda Torbert of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County many of the factors contributing to local suicide rates are the same as national ones – including the use of guns and increased levels of depression among teens.
Torbert said school districts have been reluctant to increase awareness about suicide.
“Because they don’t want to have that contagious effect of talking about it, so talking about it may bring about suicide,” said Torbert.
She added that it’s better to go ahead and talk about it.
In 2016, suicide was the 10 th leading cause of death nationwide and the second among people ages 10-34.
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide, the local crisis hotline is 216-623-6888 or text 4hope to 741741.
