(COLORADO) — When it comes to suicide, any decrease is a step in the right direction. It’s thanks to people like Lena Heilmann, who leads the charge at the State’s Office of Suicide Prevention.
Heilmann also lost her sister to suicide in 2012.
“Her death really changed the trajectory of my life and has led me to do the work that I do,” Heilmann said.
Data from Colorado’s Department of Public Health shows the age-adjusted suicide rate continues to drop slightly, with the latest numbers from 2023 showing the state average at 20.93 per 100,000 people, compared to an all-time high rate of 22.64 in 2021.
“That decrease isn’t statistically significant, but we’re really hopeful that any decrease means that we’re reaching the right people at the right time,” Heilmann said.
In terms of southern Colorado, suicide rates vary. El Paso County continues to have the highest rate of any county in Colorado, which is a trend that has not changed since 2011. 2023 saw 196 people commit suicide in El Paso County, which is the highest number in the last 20 years of data.
For Pueblo County, the rate has fallen over the last two years dropping below 50 for the first time since 2018. Other counties such as Fremont and Las Animas counties saw steady numbers in recent years while Teller County saw a big drop off going from 17 suicides in 2020 all the way down to six in 2023.
“We’re really hopeful that what that means is that our prevention work across the state is reaching people when they need those programs,” Heilmann said.
But at the end of the day, regardless of the count, one is too many. While the statewide rate fell slightly over the last two years, Heilmann said we still have work to do.
“So many of us who do the suicide prevention work, we do so with a big heart because we know that the data is an important piece, but the data represents real lives,” Heilmann said. “Our loved ones and our community members.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; this service provides 24/7 confidential support for anyone in crisis or emotional distress.
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