News Advisory: CDC Investigation Shows Youth Suicides in Utah Increasing

WHAT: The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) will release the findings of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on youth suicide in Utah. Study findings include risk and protective factors for suicides, self-harm and suicide attempts, and suicide ideation among Utah youth. Additionally, findings will be presented on three of the most commonly implemented suicide prevention programs in schools as well as a list of recommendations to prevent further suicide deaths.

WHY: From 2011 to 2015, the UDOH observed a 141.3% increase in the youth suicide rate among youth ages 10-17 years.

WHO: Available interviews include:

  • Michael Friedrichs, epidemiologist, UDOH Bureau of Health Promotion
  • Kimberly Myers, suicide prevention coordinator, Utah Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
  • Cathy Davis, suicide prevention coordinator, Utah State Board of Education
  • Kimball Gardner, suicide prevention director, NAMI Utah
  • Taryn Aiken Hiatt, area director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Amber Montero, crisis services lead, University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute
  • Tammer Attallah, administrative director of Behavioral Health Services, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital
  • Michael Staley, suicide prevention research coordinator, UDOH, Office of the Medical Examiner
  • Nicole Christensen, associate director, Equality Utah

WHEN: Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Utah Department of Health
Room 129
288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116

Embargoed copies of the report available upon request. Embargo will lift at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2017.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Johnson
(o) 801-538-9416
(m) 385-290-7826