News Release
“Day of Healing” Ceremony - Monday, Sept. 28th in State Capitol
9/25/2009
Sarah Elliott
406-444-9725
selliott@mt.gov
“Montana leads the nation in many ways for which we are proud but I’m deeply saddened that Montana leads the nation in suicide per capita,” Lt. Governor John Bohlinger said. “As a community we must put our arms around the families who have lost brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers through suicide.”
Montana is currently third in the nation for the rate of suicide – down from the top spot last year. Montana has been at or near the top in the nation for the rate of suicide for nearly three decades. In the past nine years, the rate of suicide in Montana is nearly 20 per 100,000 people (the national average has been around 11 per 100,000). Since 2000, 1,652 Montana residents have completed suicide for an average of 184 people per year.
“Suicide continues to be a major public health issue in the state,” DPHHS Director Anna Whiting Sorrell said. “The Day of Healing ceremony is a way for us to honor survivors of suicide and to increase awareness of the programs available for all Montanans.”
The morning ceremony will include songs by the Soldier Gulch Drum Group, and remarks by Lt. Governor Bohlinger and officials from DPHHS and the MTWYTLC.
CONTACT: Sarah Elliott, Governor Office, 444-9725
Jon Ebelt, DPHHS, 444-0936
Don Wetzel Jr., MTWYTLC 252-2550
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