Suicide second-highest cause of death among Nebraska youth
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A recent murder-suicide in Cozad, Nebraska, has prompted mental health professionals in the state to heighten their efforts to address a mental health crisis affecting residents of the state.
Suicide is the second-highest cause of death among Nebraska's male youth.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show suicide as the eleventh-highest cause of death among Nebraskans, and the ninth for men in particular.
The Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition's President Quinn Lewandowski called the numbers staggering.
"When you think about that," said Lewandowski, "that's about an average of 290 Nebraskans each year die by suicide."
The state has made online resources available for people who need help. People experiencing a mental health crisis can text or call 988 for assistance.
Lewandowski said while it is uncomfortable to talk about, helping people in the community understand the issue is critical.
"Taking a look at how we are identifying, screening folks for suicide," said Lewandowski, "how we're assessing them if they are screening positive."
Nebraska also has an education program about youth suicide warning signs, and helps people understand what they can do if they are affected by it.
