July 26, 2020 - In 2000, the suicide rate in North Dakota was 10.4 deaths per 100,000 people. In 2018, that number has jumped 84% to 19.4 deaths per 100,000 people. This places North Dakota as the state with the second highest rise in suicide rates since 2000. Only New Hampshire has seen a greater increase at 88%.
“Rural areas tend to have fewer mental health resources,” said Samantha Christopherson, Dakotas area director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Firearms, which are used in 50% of suicides, also are more accessible. When we are talking about firearms, it’s a very quick happening, so it is less likely that someone can intervene to help.”
