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Suicide is a serious public health issue. The Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group reports these statistics:
  • Kentucky loses three times as many citizens to suicide as to homicide.
  • There are an average of 5.7 suicide attempts everyday in Kentucky.
  • Kentucky's suicide death rate is the 12th highest in the nation.
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Kentuckians 15 to 34 years old.
  • Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for 35 to 54 year olds.
  • Our elderly have a higher suicide rate than the national average.
  • Firearms caused 62 percent of suicide deaths in Kentucky.
  • 2,088 suicide attempts were serious enough to warrant admission to a hospital in Kentucky during 2006.
  • Suicide is a leading cause of death for Kentuckians. Yet suicide is one of the most preventable forms of death.
  • 64% of Kentuckians know at least one person who has attempted or died by suicide.
  • 33.8% consider themselves to be a suicide survivor (who has lost a loved one or close friend to suicide).
  • Experts believe most suicidal people don't want to die; they just want to end their pain. When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved.

MHA-Kentucky is proud to be a member of the KY Suicide Prevention Group, which trains citizens, teachers, and other members of the community in QPR ("Question, Persuade, Refer"), a research-based intervention that encourages people with suicidal thoughts to seek professional help. Our Executive Director, Sheriall Cunningham, is a trained "QPR Gatekeeper" who is available to train others in the region. Find "QPR" training on our Calendar.