Flathead Valley Suicide Prevention Coalition
A life is lost
to suicide every 16 minutes in the United States.
1.8 million Americans attempt suicide each year. 90% of
all people who die by suicide have a treatable mental illness or substance abuse disorder. 30,000
complete suicide each year. 20,000 others are
victims of homicide. Suicide in one year cost the
U.S. $13 billion in lost earnings. Suicide attempts requiring hospitalization cost the U.S. $3.8 billion each year. 80% of suicide deaths
are men. Suicide rates are highest among Americans
75 and older. Females are more apt to attempt
suicide, males are more apt to complete suicide. Suicide-related medical costs in
Montana total over $6 million annually with a loss
of future earnings above $19 million and loss to
quality of life estimated at $78 million.
Our Youth
The rate of suicide in Northwest Montana for youth (ages
10-24) is higher than the rest of the Nation.
Suicide is the second leading cause of
death for adolescents in our state. There were 114
calls to the MHP and 64 ER visits in 2004. Twenty-three youth took their own life in 2005 in Flathead County. The 2004 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance identified these
“risk” behaviors in Montana High School Students. 30%, close to one third of all
suicide victims have alcohol in their system at
the time of death; 10% tested positive for other
drugs. 17.5% of Flathead County High School
Students have seriously considered attempting suicide, 14% have made a plan and
10.3% made attempts. 3.1% attempting
suicide were treated by an M.D. or Nurse.
Meetings
The FSPC meets
quarterly on the 4th Thursday of March, June, September and
December between 1:30-3:00 in the Conference Room of the Flathead City.
Call 871-1008 to confirm meeting time and place.
To view the entire Flathead Valley Suicide Prevention
Coalition Brochure:
Page 1
Page 2 (small
poster)
For more information until we get this webpage completed,
please contact Joan Schmidt at 406-871-1008 or at
jschmidt06@centurytel.net.
