Health Priority 5: Youth Suicide

Background and Intent:

Colfax County has no primary data on suicides but we've had more than enough of them. In an article in the New Mexican, by Diana Heil, it was stated that, “At twice the national average, New Mexico 's rate is 20 suicides per 100,000 people. It is the second leading cause of death for New Mexicans ages 15 to 44, according to the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition.” ( January 26,2006 ) At just under 14,000 persons in Colfax County , we are well above the average. The Suicide Task Force was formed out of a Community Forum on November 4, 2004 following the suicide of a prominent resident and then his 22 year old son a week later. These were the “last straw” in Colfax County following 15 other suicides in 18 consecutive months. Of the 17 fatalities, 1 was a woman in her 30's and all of the others were males aged 20 to 62. The 22 year old young man was a role model for many local young people and the community was near panic that his death would be followed by other youth. The task force has remained active in getting phone numbers on posters and cards wherever youth might see them. There were no suicide fatalities between November 2004 and January 2006. Since the end of January, there have been 3, 1 female and 2 males between the ages of 30 and 48. However, during the past 13 months there have been 84 attempts, 10% of whom were under age 20. Some of these 10% have attempted on more than one occasion .

Although adult males account for the high rate in Colfax County, common sense tells us that there is a great potential for this to affect and/or encourage our youth. Each one of our suicide victims had children and research shows that children of persons committing suicide are at double the risk for taking their own lives. As a Subcommittee and as a Health Council, we believe that addressing the youth is vital to prevent even 1, because research shows that once there is 1 fatality, others will follow. We also believe that in focusing on the youth, they would have a positive impact on those above 20 as well. Persons over 20 will be bombarded with help messages that they could also utilize. High rates of suicide also create a grave threat to the health of the community in other ways. Not only may some feel permitted to follow, but the general sadness and grief in the community would create more depression and feelings of hopelessness. Although the Suicide Task Force has remained active, the numbers have dwindled. From around 50 members, the Task Force has a regular attendance of 5 or 6 individuals. We cannot afford to let our guard down. Because Youth Suicide is also one of Governor Richardson's priorities, we hope to have the funding eventually to make a brighter difference for our youth in Colfax County .

Strategy #1: To raise awareness of local, state, and nationwide resources. Activities: Disperse new Posters and cards with relevant numbers at every school and *youth center in English and Spanish. * Youth Center is defined loosely to mean any place where youth regularly gather.

Strategy #2 : To raise awareness of need for Survivor Support Group. Activity: Support formation and continuance of Survivor Support Group.

Strategy #3: To have protocol in place in Emergency Room. An article by Mann JJ, Apter A, Bertolote J, et al.2005 Suicide prevention strategies: A systematic review , from JAMA, The Journal of American Medical Association states, “Physician education increases the number of diagnosed and treated depressed patients with accompanying reductions in suicide, although booster program appear necessary. Education program targeting primary care physicians should include instruction on the use of antidepressants.” Activities: Integrate training for Doctors by NM Suicide Prevention Coalition trainers at Medical Staffing held at Miners Colfax Medical Center (MCMC) and Submit sample protocols to MCMC Administrator if requested & offer assistance.

Strategy #4: To educate 3 of the 4 School Districts regarding having a protocol to identify signs and make referrals (Raton already has one in place). The same article cited in Strategy #3, also states, “Where the role of gatekeepers are formalized and pathways to treatment are readily available, educating gatekeepers helps reduce suicidal behavior.” While we only have Psychiatric services 6 days out of each month in Colfax County and treatment centers are no closer than 120 miles from the largest city of Raton , educating our teachers, ministers, and service providers (the gatekeepers) may be possible. Activities: Integrate training for teachers and school staff by NM Suicide Prevention Coalition trainers at school in-services and Integrate training for teachers and school staff by NM Suicide Prevention Coalition trainers at school in-services.

* Youth Center is defined loosely to mean any place where youth regularly gather.