The age-adjusted suicide death rate per 100,000 population is higher in NH and VT compared to the national rate. Suicide rates in the United States have increased over the past 15 years. NHand VT are among the states with the highest rate of increase with a percent change of 48.3% and 48.6%, respectively, from 1999 to 2016. In 2017, there were 265 suicicde deaths in NH and 112 in VT. Suicide rates are higher in rural areas and are higher among males compared to females. Many factors contribute to suicide rates, including behavioral health conditions, economic disruptions, social supports, availability of behavioral health services, and access to means to suicide. The majority of suicides in the US are done by firearm. 

Data source: CDC NCHS  and CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. 

Dartmouth-Hitchcock engages in mulitple strategies to improve care for persons with behavioral health needs as part of it's Substance Use Mental Health Initiative, including serving as one of NH's regional Doorway services, providing easy access to screening, assessment, referrals, and treatment to persons with opioid use disorders; and serving as the administrative lead organization for the Lebanon-Cheshire 'Region 1' Integration Delivery Network promoting integration of routine screening for substance use in primary care, emergency, and hospital settings.  Along with these services, persons who have attempted suicide may be cared for at Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Emergency Department.  Those at continuing risk of acting on suicidal thoughts may receive care in Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit or be referred to other services that provide 24-hour superivison, safety, and behaivoral health services.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Community Health Team in Lebanon, NH, regularly hosts CONNECT Suicide Prevention and Postvention trainings in association with NAMI-NH.  CONNECT teaches non-clinical professionals such as school teachers, business owners, bus drivers, coaches, and others, to recognize signs of suicidality; and how to help a person in need connect with appropriate professionals who can provide care for their needs.