A new report shows the highest rate of suicide in Wisconsin is among the state’s middle-aged residents.
The state Division of Public Health looked at suicide and suicide-related cases for a five year period that ended in 2011. It found those between the ages of 45 and 54 had the highest rate of suicide. The Division’s Chuck Warzecha says a number of factors contributed to that, such as job situations, relationship issues, and alcohol use.
During the years covered by the report, the average number of annual suicides in Wisconsin was 724. While adults had the highest suicide rate, teens and young adults had the highest rates for hospital visits related to self-inflicted injuries
Warzecha says they plan to send the findings to local community organizations, which can hopefully use the data to develop prevention strategies.
WHBY