AspenPointe -Topics & Issues: Suicide

Suicide

Suicide is a devastating event with catastrophic human and economic costs. In many cases suicide can be prevented, yet it continues to present a major public health problem.

In 2004, it was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for the loss of 32,439 friends, family and neighbors. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. ¹ In Colorado Springs that same year, the rate was 26 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. However, over a 15-year span, Colorado Springs’ suicide rate averages 19 suicides per 100,000 residents.

The loss of a loved one by suicide is not only extremely painful but is often totally unexpected. The grief that ensues can be intense, complex and long-term. Survivors often struggle with the reasons why the suicide occurred and whether they could have done something to prevent it.

Suicide is best understood as a very complex human behavior with no single determining cause. Research shows that the risk factors for suicide include: depression and other mental disorders, a substance abuse disorder, hopelessness, impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies, history of trauma or abuse, some major physical illnesses, previous suicide attempts, and a family history of suicide. ² Certain environmental factors, such as the death of a loved one or job loss, can lead to a suicide attempt.

Recognizing these risk factors and providing early intervention can save lives. In 2001, the Surgeon General called for communities across the nation to institute broad-scale, comprehensive strategies to prevent suicide. One of the suggested approaches was increased public awareness and education.

^{1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) :}^{www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars}

^{2. Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Suicide Prevention: The Public Health Approach and Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide. http://library.sprc.org/}

El Paso County Suicide Rates: Cause for Alarm?
AspenPointe and Suicide Prevention Partnership (SPP) collaborated to bring together key stakeholders and the public to educate on the problem of suicide in our community and plan next steps for a sui

AspenPointe Calendar

Date: 2/10/12-2/17/12
Mental Health First Aid Training

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Since 1875...

AspenPointe has empowered clients, enriched lives and embraced purpose through behavioral health services, counseling services, career services, substance abuse treatment, employment, education, housing, jail diversion/reintegration and care management.

One of the largest nonprofits in Colorado Springs, AspenPointe traces its roots back to 1875 when we were called the Springs Relief Society. That organization, which delivered coal, lumber and clothing to the needy, was the genesis of what today is a comprehensive and integrated system of care that addresses the overall wellness of each client whether they need behavioral health services, counseling services or career services.

We have 12 organizations that serve more than 30,000 individuals and families each year through behavioral health services, counseling services, career services, education, housing, jail diversion/reintegration, telephonic wellness and care management.

We collaborate with clergy, educators, employers, other health and human service agencies, the legal/criminal justice system, other behavioral health providers, insurers, and many other organizations to leverage our collective resources in order to better our communities and the lives of its residents.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded largely by Medicaid, state and federal grants, local government contracts, and generous donations.