Suicide Rate in Alaska Decreases Slightly

Still ranked among highest in country

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By Lacie Grosvold

Story Created: Jan 17, 2013 at 8:23 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 17, 2013 at 8:23 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Alaska's suicide rate is consistently ranked as one of the highest suicide rate in the country, but a recent study shows that could be changing.

The findings were presented yesterday during the Alaska Health Summit.

Alaska suicides have dropped by about 2 percent over the period between 2007 and 2011.

Program Manager, Deborah Hull-Jilly says they're still looking into what's driving the decrease.

Once they know the numbers, the state's Health and Human Services department can look at the circumstances around the deaths to see where people still need help.

Hull-Jilly suggested the decrease is a result of programs being focused on suicide prevention.

High rates are still a problem, though particularly in the Native community. But this latest study marks a change in a trend that's been going on for decades. Hull-Jilly said, "Now we see it has plateaued, and perchance with this latest study, has actually dropped off some. That would be a very promising aspect for us."

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Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 17 at 9:29 AM

If we'd get rid of those poison pills, it would go down a lot further...

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