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KPBS Midday Edition

San Diego County Suicide Rate Continues To Climb

The Midday Edition logo is shown in this undated graphic.
KPBS Staff
The Midday Edition logo is shown in this undated graphic.
The San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council's annual report shows an increase in suicides for the fourth year in a row.

San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council 2019 Report
San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council 2019 Report
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The number of deaths by suicide continues a slow climb in San Diego County, according to a new report by the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council.

In 2018, 465 people died by suicide in the county. That's up slightly from 458 the previous year. The report shows an increase in suicides for the fourth straight year.

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The report's release coincided with National Suicide Prevention Week.

It also shows firearms were the most frequent means of suicide in the county last year. While firearm suicides had been steadily decreasing until 2016, they increased in the last two years, according to the report.

RELATED: Study Targets Suicide Risk Among Gun Owners On Active Duty

Stan Collins, a suicide prevention specialist with the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council joined Midday Edition Friday to talk about a new initiative aimed at reducing firearm suicide.

Suicide-Prevention Resources

The It's Up to Us campaign is aimed at empowering San Diegans to talk openly about mental illness and seek help.

Finding Help: Access & Crisis Line (888) 724-7240

SDSU Counseling & Psychological Services: (619) 594-5220