The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reported that the suicide rate among youth ages 10-18 in Colorado has reached its lowest point since 2007. In 2024, there were 39 deaths by suicide in this age group, resulting in a rate of 5.85 per 100,000 youth. This marks a significant decline from the peak rate in 2020, when there were 87 deaths and a rate of 12.91 per 100,000.
“The drop in youth suicides is encouraging, because we see that our shared efforts in communities across Colorado are indeed having a positive impact on our youth,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE executive director. “We have been intentional about the actions we are taking in Colorado to prevent suicide and the data indicates that we are making a difference.”
Although it is difficult to determine all the reasons for this decrease, CDPHE credits evidence-based programs and partnerships across the state for helping reduce suicide attempts among young people.
“One youth suicide is too many, but the decrease in youth suicide in 2024 is promising,” said Lena Heilmann, director of CDPHE’s Office of Suicide Prevention. “We hope to build on this progress as kids head back to school, where they will have more opportunities to connect with a broader network of caring adults and their peers.”
Initiatives highlighted by CDPHE include Sources of Strength, which aims to strengthen relationships between youth and trusted adults; The Colorado Follow-Up Project, which offers support after mental health crises; The Second Wind Fund, providing free therapy for underinsured or uninsured youth; and The Gun Shop Project, which promotes safe firearm storage practices.
Partner agencies such as the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) also contribute through programs like 988 Colorado—a free mental health support line—along with I Matter Colorado offering free therapy sessions for youth and Colorado LIFTS connecting those without adequate insurance to needed services.
In total, there were 1,306 suicide deaths statewide in 2024. The age-adjusted suicide rate remained steady at 20.83 per 100,000 people for both 2023 and 2024. This represents a decrease from the high point of 22.64 per 100,000 people recorded in 2021.
“We are proud of the progress we are making, and are committed to realizing similar decreases in suicide for people of all ages in Colorado,” said Heilmann.
The Office of Suicide Prevention encourages anyone struggling with emotional or mental health issues to call or text the state’s mental health line at 9-8-8. More information about prevention efforts can be found on the Office of Suicide Prevention’s website.
