Oregon has been known to have higher-than-average suicide rates in previous years. In 2019, Oregon ranked ninth highest in the nation, with 906 suicide deaths. Yet, 2020, despite all of its mayhem, also ushered some much-needed relief in this area.
In 2020, Oregon moved down to 13th highest in its national ranking, with around 833 suicide deaths – a drop of 73 deaths from the previous year. Additionally, suicide rates among Oregon’s youth have declined.
“In 2019, the Oregon Legislature appropriated funds for youth suicide for the first time in a sustainable way,” Oregon Health Authority analyst, Jill Baker, told OPB. “And so Oregon has a really impressive infrastructure for youth suicide prevention.”
For Oregonians aged 24 and younger, suicide rates dropped 14% in 2020 from 2019 – from 118 deaths to 102 deaths.
Ranking highest in the country for its suicide rates is Wyoming, followed by Alaska. Another factor for high suicide rates is firearm accessibility, according to Baker. She plans on working with other suicide prevention proponents to improve Oregonian’s safe gun storage accessibility.
“Guns are the most lethal form of suicide attempt,” said Baker. “If you look at all 50 states ranking, states with higher gun ownership have high rates of suicide.”
For 2021, death rates are still being calculated. However, the results are expected to be similar to 2020, according to the latest OHA update. Additionally, the number of suicide-related emergency room and urgent care visits went down in 2021 from 2020 and 2019.
If you are struggling, you can reach out for help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
By Rebekah Harcrow
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