Fewer people ages 24 and younger attempted suicide in 2022 in Deschutes County, but more youth died than in 2021, according to data compiled by the Oregon Health Authority.

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of youth suicide is a concern for the state, particularly for youth of color, according to health officials.

In Deschutes County, the number of deaths by suicide in 2022 was six, compared to four in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

Crook County showed two deaths in 2022 and none in 2021. Jefferson County showed no deaths by suicide in 2022 and one in 2021.

Statewide in 2022 — the most current year data are finalized — 109 youths died by suicide, the first time the state has seen an increase since 2018.

Need help?

Need help?

Deschutes County 24-Hour Crisis Line: A 24-hour program that responds by phone or face-to-face.

541-322-7500 ext. #9

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

Call: 988

Text: 988

Visit 988lifeline.org to message.

The lifeline answers calls, texts and chats in English or Spanish with interpretation services for more than 250 languages. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or prefer using American Sign Language can connect directly with a trained 988 counselor in ASL.

Callers can press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.

Callers can press 2 for support in Spanish or text AYUDA to 988.

Callers can press 3 for support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults or text PRIDE to 988.

Oregon YouthLine: YouthLine is a free, confidential teen-to-teen crisis and help line

877-968-8491 or text “teen2teen” to 83983

Crisis Stabilization Center: Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can visit the Deschutes County Stabilization Center. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it is located at 63311 Jamison St. Open to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay, in a safe and confidential environment. No appointment necessary. Individuals will be connected with resources for their particular situation.

Resource website: Deschutes.org/suicideprevention

Oregon has the 12th highest youth suicide rate in the United States, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death in Oregon among people under age 24.

In Deschutes County, two people are dedicated to supplying the community with educational materials and information on how to prevent and survive suicide, said Jessica Jacks, Deschutes County Health Services Prevention and Health Promotion program manager.

“Suicide is a complex topic,” Jacks said. “We do have high rates in Deschutes County. It’s challenging to be an adolescent. It’s hard to hear these kinds of numbers when we’re working so hard to prevent suicide. We know the sorrow it can create in our community.”

Over the past two years, 70 training sessions have been held, mostly for teachers and staff totaling about 1,600 people, Jacks said. In addition, other groups in the community, like the colleges, might request educational training and those are held twice a year for 30 people each, she said.

Oregon suicide rates 2019-2020

Oregon suicide rates 2019-2020

Oregon youth suicide rates down for a third. year, shows recently released data

In Deschutes County, the stabilization center has served as a focal point in the effort to combat death by suicide, Jacks said. In its fourth year, the center offers free crisis care 24/7. Since it opened in 2020, it has helped in more than 10,000 mental health crises.

Stabilization. Center

Stabilization Center

Deschutes County Stabilizatoin Center celebrates three years of helping local community

Health officials are also upping their efforts in educating the public about safe firearm and medication storage. Jacks said the department is always tweaking its presentations or seeking better ways to reach the community.

“Every year there’s something we can improve upon,” Jacks said. “Our programs are constantly evolving to serve the needs of the community.”

The causes of suicide are multifaceted, said Caroline Suiter, Deschutes County Mental Health strategist. By keeping track of the data, health officials can spot trends and address issues, like a rise in the number of suicides by firearms.

“Suicide by firearms are rising across all the age groups in our region,” Suiter said. “We’re putting together public service announcements in English and Spanish about safe firearm storage.”

Statewide, health officials are also adapting their programs to reflect changes in the community. It has a tribal prevention program called Big River and worked with the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Statewide 343 trained suicide prevention educators are working to prevent suicide, including 67 who speak languages other than English, according to the state.