Suicide is a serious public health problem worldwide, and is one of the top ten leading causes of death in adults and the third leading cause of death in youth between the ages of 10 and 24. Between 2010 and 2014 Washington State’s suicide rate was 14 per 100,000 citizens. And while this is 11% higher than the national average, Walla Walla County’s suicide rate was15 per 100,000 .

Suicide is often an unfortunate outcome of a person struggling with diagnosable mental health disorder.

According to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) study roughly 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health disorder.

Without proper treatment and care a person’s mental illness leaves them susceptible. And yet many who struggle must also deal with provider shortages, lack of awareness of services, challenges of availability for appointments and follow-up, and the stigma associated with mental illness.

No matter the age, suicide cuts across race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or sexual orientation.