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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Suicide and suicide prevention

Increased Rates of Suicide Ideation and Attempts in Rural Dwellers Following the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Examines the effect the COVID-19 pandemic had on rates of suicide ideation and attempts. Compares rates of suicide ideation and attempts in the first 6 months of the pandemic with the same months of the preceding year. Breaks down data by patient demographics, such as race, age, and rurality, among other measures.
Author(s): Elizabeth Salt, Amanda T. Wiggins, Julie Cerel, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 39(1), 30-38
Date: 12/2022
Type: Document
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Trends and Disparities in Firearm Fatalities in the United States, 1990-2021
Results of a study of 1,110,421 firearm fatalities from 1990-2021, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Features statistics including age- and year-specific firearm homicide and suicide fatality rates with breakdowns by metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, and county-level maps showing geographic distribution of firearm fatalities.
Author(s): Chris A. Rees, Michael C. Monuteaux, Isabella Steidley, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 5(11)
Date: 11/2022
Type: Document
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Suicide Prevention: Resource for Action
Presents a compilation of best practices for suicide prevention. Explores 7 different approaches to suicide prevention for communities to implement, such as strengthening economic supports, creating protective environments, and improving access and delivery of suicide care, among others. Includes discussion about how different strategies function in rural communities.
Additional links: Summary
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Suicide and Self-Harm in Youth Presenting to a US Rural Hospital During COVID-19
Presents a study on rural emergency department utilization and hospital admission for suicide or self-harm in children ages 5 to 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzes hospital data from January, 2017 to May 2021. Breaks down data by demographic factors, such as race, gender, and rurality, as well as length of stay and visit type, among other measures.
Author(s): Mary Arakelyan, Jennifer A. Emond, JoAnna K. Leyenaar
Citation: Hospital Pediatrics, 12(10), e336–e342
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
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Suicide Surveillance, South Dakota
Illustrates South Dakota's current suicide rates and trends, and compares this data with national rates. Includes county data, method of suicide or self-injury by age and sex, and suicidal ideation by high school students.
Additional links: One Page Summery
Date: 09/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: South Dakota Department of Health
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Rural Health Research Recap: Rural Mental Health
Summarizes recent research from Rural Health Research Centers on rural mental health, covering serious mental illness and treatment, major depression and treatment, suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts, and adverse and positive childhood experiences. Provides links to full publications.
Date: 09/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Research Gateway
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Suicides Among American Indian or Alaska Native Persons — National Violent Death Reporting System, United States, 2015–2020
Examines differences in suicide characteristics and contributing circumstances among American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and non-AI/AN populations. Includes data for metropolitan and nonmetro areas.
Author(s): Deborah Stone, Eva Trinh, Hong Zhou, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 71(37), 1161-1168
Date: 09/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Suicide Rates, by Urbanization Level and Sex — National Vital Statistics System, 2020
Bar chart showing suicide rates by sex for metropolitan (4 levels), micropolitan, and noncore areas.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 71(36), 1159
Date: 09/2022
Type: Chart/Graph
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Firearm Safety in Rural America
Policy brief describing the prevalence of firearm-related injuries and death in rural areas. Offers policy recommendations to mitigate the risk of rural firearm injury and death.
Author(s): Eneka Lamb, Ada Pariser, Andy Fosmire
Date: 07/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Kansas Ag Stress: Focusing on Farmer's Mental Health
Discusses the impact of the agricultural industry on the Kansas economy and the potential stressors and dangers related to the farming industry. Offers resources and strategies for reducing farmer mental health stigma and suicide.
Additional links: Slide Deck
Date: 07/2022
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Kansas Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
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