CALIFORNIA: CDC Report: Youth Suicide Rates in Santa Clara County Highest in Palo Alto, Morgan Hill

March 10, 2017

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark News
Speaker:  California

The Mercury News

Following a one-year epidemiological investigation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report on youth suicide in Santa Clara County. According to the report, Palo Alto and Morgan Hill have the highest suicide rates in the county among 10- to 24-year-olds. In addition, males and 20- to 24-year-olds were found to be among the groups at highest risk. Initiated in response to a series of suicide deaths among youth in Palo Alto, the report includes information on trends in suicidal behavior, including deaths and emergency department visits; media reporting on areas suicides; local suicide prevention programs and policies; and strategic recommendations for schools, communities, and the county to prevent youth suicide. Santa Clara County Health Officer Sara Cody said, “The main point . . . to remember is that suicide is complex, but it is preventable and help is available,” adding that “there is never just one reason why someone dies by suicide.”

Spark Extra! Read the full report.