Youth suicide rates have increased by about 36 percent over the past two decades, and that spike has caught the attention of federal policymakers. The Biden administration is developing a new national strategy and federal action plan for suicide prevention, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to prevention, treatment, and research equity. This follows the Bipartisan Policy Center’s launch of a youth mental health task force in January. Last week in Sioux Falls, task force co-chair and former Rep. Val Demings said rural areas face unique mental health challenges.
| :twenty three “For example, access to care, affordability of care, and eliminating stigma.” (:06) You may have a substandard educational environment, or there may be substance abuse or addiction in your household. And what we have to do, as a nation, is first to address the social ills that are causing the decline of certain communities.” |
A major focus of the task force is the link between suicide and the increased use of technology and social media. The U.S. Surgeon General says teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to develop mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety.
Technology can also be used to provide health services in rural areas. In 2021, Helmsley Charitable Trust launched a virtual crisis response program in South Dakota, equipping law enforcement agencies with iPads to connect people with mental health professionals via video. Walter Panziler of the group gave good results.
| :12 “Transfers to mental health facilities were reduced by 75%. They were able to receive care at home or in the community. 25% of calls were for young people.” |
According to the CDC, people living in rural areas are nearly twice as likely to commit suicide than those living in large cities. According to the agency, South Dakota had the fifth highest suicide rate in the nation in 2021, with more than 200 deaths. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.
