What’s measured The report looks at the suicide rates for 2003 and 2004, for the region and for the fourteen counties. The data, reported as deaths by suicide per 100,000 persons, are from the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics (part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The regional indicator is calculated as an un-weighted average of the counties’ suicide rates. Why it’s measured The suicide rate provides information the mental health of the region’s population. The suicide rate suggests levels of emotional suffering in the region, as well as mental health care services in the region to diagnose and treat mental illness, and access to those services. Indicator results In 2004, the average county suicide rate for the region was 12.6 suicides per 100,000 persons. The 2004 rate was slightly higher than the 2003 rate of 12.3 suicides per 100,000 persons. The 2004 average county suicide rate for the region was higher than the rates for North Carolina (11.6 suicides per 100,000 persons) and South Carolina (11.3 suicides per 100,000 persons). Gaston (16.0), Chester (15.8), Catawba (15.3) and Rowan (15.1) counties had the highest suicide rates for 2004. Counties with the lowest suicide rates for 2004 include Cabarrus (8.9), Union (9.6), Mecklenburg (9.8) and York (9.8). Evaluation From the limited data available, the suicide rate appears to be fairly stable. It is in line with rates for North and South Carolina. One area of concern is the higher suicide rates in some of the mostly rural counties when compared to the more urban counties in the region. Nevertheless, continuing to monitor this indicator is important. The region’s rate is slightly higher than the statewide rates, and the rate increased from 2003 to 2004. If those differences grow, it may signal a need to address factors that are contributing to mental. Higher suicide rates may suggest a problem of accessibility of treatment for mental illness or point to less effective methods of diagnosis or treatment. Connections The suicide rate has important connections to factors that induce mental stress, such as economic struggles. Similarly, the suicide rate has critical implications for evaluating the robustness of institutions and social networks in the region that contribute to good mental health.
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