All Polk County community members attain greater mental and behavioral health through supportive community connections, increased awareness of services, and service accessibility.
Suicide Death Rate (TOTAL) in Polk County (per 100,000) - age-adjusted rates
Current Value
25.7
Definition
Age-adjusted suicide death (mortality) rates per 100,000 population, in 5-year aggregates. Year shown is the final year in the 5-year aggregate (E.g., Data point 2016 represents 2012-2016 period.) (As reported by WNC Health Network)
Comparison
Story Behind the Indicator
Suicide was among the top three leading causes of death in Polk County, between 2018-2022, for the 00-19 and 20-39 age groups. Suicide deaths are entirely preventable and directly correlated to poor mental health. Polk County has seen an overall increase in suicide mortality rates since 2012, with the second highest rate in the region as of 2022 (25.7). This is higher than both the Western NC regional mean (20.6) and the state mean (13.5), pointing to an issue of significant and urgent concern. Our ultimate aim would be to reduce suicide mortality by 100% by the next cycle.
What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.
- Telehealth
- Improved access to affordable services
- Education and awareness
- Resiliency
- Peer culture and family/community support
- Workplace Wellness Programs
What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.
- Limited access: Rural areas have increased isolation and travel times to reach services or facilities
- Lack of providers
- Poverty
- Stigma
- Lack of counseling and support
- Limited funding
- Food insecurity
Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.