Spokane Counts 2011

Suicide

Injury & Violence

Indicator: Suicide

Definition: Rate of deaths by suicide per 100,000 individuals.

Why is this important: Suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in Spokane County in 2009. Factors that increase the risk of suicide include a history of depression or mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide or violence, and feelings of being alone. Suicide affects the individual’s family and friends, but also the community as a whole.

Where are we: In 2009 in Spokane County, there were 63 suicides. There was no significant change in the suicide rate from 2005 to 2009. The 2009 suicide rate in Spokane County was similar to that of Washington State and the U.S.

Health Disparities:

Among Spokane County residents in 2009:

The likelihood of suicide increased as age increased.
Males were more likely to commit suicide.

There was no difference in suicide by race.

Additional Information: The most frequently used method for suicide was the use of a firearm, followed by suffocation. Suicide from poisoning includes an intentional overdose of medication.

(click to enlarge)

	Data Source	DOH, CHS, 2009
		Rate per 100,000
Geography	Spokane County	13.5 (10.4-17.3)
	WA	13.7 (12.8-14.6)
	U.S.	11.9

	Trend	05-09 No Trend

Age	<18 yrs	0.9 (0.02-5.1)
	18-34 yrs	11.8 (6.3-20.2)
	35-44 yrs	19.8 (10.2-34.6)
	45-64 yrs	19.6 (12.5-29.1)
	65+ yrs	21.1 (11.2-36.0)

Sex	Male	21.5 (15.9-28.4)
	Female	5.9 (3.2-9.9)

Race	White	13.6 (10.4-17.5)
	Non-White	12.9 (3.5-32.9)

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.

Spokane Regional Health District · Community Health Assessment · 1101 W College Ave, Room 360, Spokane, WA 99201
509.323.2853 | FAX 509.232.1706 | TDD 509.324.1464 · www.srhd.org/spokanecounts