The number of people in Arizona dying by suicide rose again in 2017.
The most recent numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services show it’s the eighth leading cause of death in the state.
Nearly four people died every day in 2017 from suicide — more than all the deaths from motor vehicles that year.
More than half of the suicides in Arizona involved firearms.
The suicide rate has gone up over the past decade. ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ said reducing suicides is one of the leading priorities for her agency.
She said the rate among children had dropped significantly over the past decade, but in that same time period suicide among adults between 25 and 34 years old has increased 50 percent.
The highest rate is for adults ages 45 to 64.
The Crisis Response Network can be reached at 1-602-900-5910.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
