College Suicide Prevention

Helping Hands

College students are often faced with stressors on a variety of levels. Nevada has the sixth-highest rate of suicide in the nation. While the suicide rates for youth have decreased slowly in the past ten years, the Nevada youth suicide rate continues to be high, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

TMCC's mission is to promote student success, academic excellence, and provide access to lifelong learning. These aspirations mean little if even one person dies by suicide. A zero tolerance for death by suicide is the mission for the campus suicide prevention program. In addition, it is the goal of the program to have 100% of the campus community promote suicide prevention through training, education and outreach.

The Facts About Suicide

  • Nevada has the 6th highest suicide rate in the nation at 19.4/100,000. The U.S. rate is 13/100,000.
  • Suicide is the 6th leading cause of death for Nevadans.
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for our youth, age 15-24.
  • In 2013, Nevada youth, ages 15-24, were the 29th highest rate of suicide in the nation with 12.0/100,000.
  • Males make up 80% of suicide deaths, at a rate of 29.5 per 100,000.
  • Nevada seniors over 65 have the second highest suicide rate in the nation, almost double the national average for the same age group.
  • More Nevadans die by suicide than by homicide, HIV/AIDS or automobile accidents.
  • Native American youth have one of the highest rates of suicide.
  • Firearms are used in 54% of suicide deaths.
  • Female Nevada veterans are 3 times more likely to die by suicide than the general Nevada female population.
  • Veterans comprise an estimated 24% of all completed suicides in Nevada.

Source: WISQARS 2013 fatal injury data