Serine
Mental health leaders in Missouri are adapting their strategies to tackle suicide prevention, emphasizing early intervention and community involvement.
This shift was evident at the Missouri Suicide Prevention Conference held in Columbia, which brought together over 1,000 attendees including health professionals, educators, survivors, and concerned citizens.
Personal and Professional Motivation
Cassidy Krieg, a provisionally licensed therapist, shared that both personal loss and professional development motivated her attendance. “Being here today has helped me better understand both risk and protective factors for suicide,” she said.
Breakout Sessions and New Strategies
The conference featured 12 specialized sessions focused on key areas such as school-based suicide prevention and crisis response plans. These discussions mirror Missouri’s effort to take more proactive measures as suicide rates slowly decline.
Suicide Rates Show Slight Improvement
According to the CDC, Missouri’s suicide rate dropped from 19 to 18 deaths per 100,000 people between 2022 and 2023. While this is a positive trend, the rate remains higher than the national average, particularly among men and residents in rural communities.
Changing Perceptions on Mental Health
Cassady Palmer, an epidemiologist at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, emphasized a shift in public perception. “There’s far less stigma now around mental health and asking for help. It’s increasingly seen as a strength, not a weakness.”
Access to Statewide Death Data for Prevention
For the first time, communities in Missouri have access to violent death data via the state health department website. This data will help local leaders design targeted prevention programs and apply for funding to strengthen support systems.
Momentum in Suicide Prevention Grows
Bart Andrews, Chief Clinical Officer at Behavioral Health Response, noted that Missouri is gaining confidence in its ability to effectively address suicide. “The state is becoming more strategic, more collaborative, and more data-driven in its efforts.”
The Missouri Suicide Prevention Conference reflects a growing commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention through early action, data transparency, and community outreach.
With declining suicide rates and a renewed focus on collaboration, the state is moving toward a stronger, more responsive mental health system.