El Paso County Sees Decline in Suicides and Drug-Related Deaths

The El Paso County coroner's report for 2024 brought welcome news for advocates aiming to reduce the rates of death by suicide and accidental drug overdose. The county witnessed a 44% decrease in deaths associated with fentanyl, a 27% decrease in overall accidental drug-related deaths, and a 17.9% decrease in suicides. Notably, youth suicides decreased by 60% from the previous year. The decline in suicide rates may be attributed to the increased availability of crisis resources in schools and communities, as well as crisis response training for law enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

• El Paso County saw a 44% decrease in deaths tied to fentanyl in 2024, with a corresponding 27% decrease in overall accidental drug-related deaths.
• Suicides decreased by 17.9% in 2024, while youth suicides dropped by 60% compared to the previous year.
• The widespread distribution of harm-reduction tools, including Narcan, has contributed to the decrease in drug-related deaths.
• Suicide prevention training has become more accessible in schools and communities, as well as for law enforcement personnel.
• Federal grant funding cuts may impact the availability of suicide resources for local nonprofits, potentially leading to a decline in services.
• Traffic deaths saw a 34% increase in 2024, with high rates of death related to motorcycle crashes and pedestrians hit by vehicles.
• Dr. Emily Russell-Kinsley, El Paso County Coroner, emphasized the importance of remembering that each death represents a grieving family and friends.

Statistics:

• 44% decrease in deaths tied to fentanyl in 2024
• 27% decrease in overall accidental drug-related deaths in 2024
• 17.9% decrease in suicides in 2024
• 60% decrease in youth suicides from 2024 compared to 2023
• 34% increase in traffic deaths in 2024
• 154 accidental deaths attributed to drugs in 2024
• 33% of crash deaths involved motorcycles

Sources:

• The El Paso County coroner's report for 2024
• Dr. Emily Russell-Kinsley, El Paso County Coroner
• Cass Walton, executive director of the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership
• Frank Montesano, programs director for Serenity Recovery Connection