Report: Idaho recorded its worst suicide rate in 2018

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - A report has revealed that Idaho saw its worst suicide rate in 2018.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare confirmed 418 people died by suicide in 2018, a rate of 23.8 for every 100,000 people, Boise State Public Radio reported Tuesday.

Idaho had the fifth highest suicide rate in the country in 2017.

The suicide rate in teens, young adults, Native Americans and older people in Idaho increased considerably between 2014 and 2018, the report said.

State-by-state numbers have not yet been released for 2018, but neighboring states have also seen increasing rates in recent years, officials said.

The Idaho health department has considered multiple initiatives to combat the increase.

The state recently announced a partnership between the department and a statewide suicide hotline to help streamline crisis intervention efforts for people at risk, Republican Gov. Brad Little said.