NORTHERN IRELAND: Northern Ireland Seeks 10% Fall in Suicide Rate by 2024

October 04, 2019

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark News

The Irish Times

Northern Ireland has released a new five-year suicide prevention strategy. Aiming to reduce the suicide rate 10 percent by 2024, the strategy focuses on increasing access to services and supports in under-resourced areas. Another effort is also underway to reduce suicide in the country’s health and behavioral health care systems. Between 2015 and 2017, the suicide rate in Northern Ireland was 16.5 per 100,000 people, compared to 8 in the Republic of Ireland and 9 in England. “Right across government we must continue to prioritize investment in prevention,” said Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride.

Spark Extra! Learn about the Strategic Planning Approach to Suicide Prevention.