(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Children’s Hospital Colorado says El Paso County has one of the highest rates for suicide in Colorado and for Suicide Prevention Month in September are offering information and an opportunity to start conversations.
Dr. Lauren Eckhart, Clinical Director for the Colorado Springs Division of the Pediatric Mental Health Institute said, in 2023, 192 people took their lives including 16 minors, an increase from 2022. Dr. Eckhart said for every person who takes their own life, 115 people are impacted.
While a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Healthy Kids survey reported a positive trend across the state, one in four still experiences persistent thoughts of sadness and hopelessness for more than two weeks or more in a row.
“You know, I think it’s a really complicated issue and a lot of really smart people are trying to understand why specifically El Paso County and why Colorado,” said Dr. Eckhart.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Suicide Prevention Month is a “time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted by suicide.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Children’s Hospital will be hosting a free screening of “My Sister Liv,” a feature-length documentary that brings awareness to the youth mental health epidemic through the journey of one family.
After the film, a panel discussion with community experts in youth mental health will be moderated by Abbey Mobolade, Colorado Springs’ first lady. The screening will be held at the ENT Center for the Arts, located at 525 North Nevada Avenue, and is set to begin at 4:30 p.m.
Children’s Hospital hopes the screening and panel will provide families the opportunity to start conversations about the reality of youth suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, chat or text. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
