The Interior Health Authority and Northern Health Authority had the highest suicide rates in 2016, according to a report released by the B.C. Coroners Service.
“Fraser and Interior Health Authority had the highest number of suicide deaths (171 and 134 deaths, respectively) in 2016, making up 51 per cent of all suicide deaths during this period,” reads the report.
Fast facts:
• There were 599 suicides in 2016, down from 615 in 2015 (a 2.6 per cent decrease), while 2016 marks the second consecutive year in which suicide deaths declined from the previous year (the 2016 numbers are subject to change as coroner’s investigations are concluded for this year).
• In 2016, 53 per cent of those dying by suicide were aged 40 to 69. The highest suicide death rates were among those aged between 60 and 69, and 80+ year olds (17.4 per 100,000 people).
• Men accounted for 74 per cent of suicide deaths in 2016.
• The three most common means of suicide death in 2016 were by hanging, poisoning and firearm.
• The three townships experiencing the highest number of suicides in 2016 were Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria.
• Northern Health Authority had the highest rate of suicide deaths (20 deaths per 100,000 individuals) followed by Interior Health Authority (18 deaths per 100,000 individuals) in 2016. Overall, the rate of suicide deaths in B.C. was 13 deaths per 100,000 individuals in 2016.
• Rates of suicide deaths were highest in Northwest, North Vancouver Island, Okanagan, Northeast, and East Kootenay health services delivery areas.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), or call the Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Both the 310-6789 and 1-800-SUICIDE phone lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.
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