FOLEY — A disturbing statistic on suicides is causing concern in Baldwin County.
In the fiscal year 2022-2023, there were 50 suicides, according to the Baldwin County Coroner's Office. The year prior saw 39.
"We've seen an uptick, and we had been pretty steady at about 40 for several years," said Coroner Dr. Brian Pierce. "If you go back and look at our annual report, we'd always average right around the 40 mark on suicides each year."
"Last year, we went to 50, and we're already at 27 this year," Pierce continued. "Yeah, that's not good."
While the increase is disturbing, what's more, the number of suicides by hanging has drastically increased.
So far, in fiscal year 2023-2024, nine of those suicides have been by hanging. The ages of those who committed suicide ranged from 16 to 67 years old.
To put that into perspective, Jefferson County, which has more than double the population of Baldwin County, had 13 suicides by hanging in all of 2023.
The agencies that responded to the hangings were the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Foley Police Department, Daphne Police Department, Fairhope Police Department and the Elberta Police Department.
Foley Police Chief Thurston Bullock has been in law enforcement for 28 years. He told 1819 News that, in his experience, there had been more self-inflicted gunshot wounds than other methods of suicide. However, Bullock thinks all suicides are part of a much larger issue.
"I do think there is a mental health crisis," Bullock said. "And I think it is a major contributor to the homeless rate and suicide rate exacerbated by economic and other life stressors."
Pierce agreed and said the overall uptick in suicides proves there is a mental health crisis. Although he has seen improvements, there are still issues with beds available for mental health patients. He said the problem is not a Baldwin County or even just an Alabama problem.
"I think there's been a mental health crisis for a while," Pierce added.
Mental health concerns are growing among teens and young adults. The majority of those who have taken their own lives in Baldwin County this year have been in those categories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 22% of high school students considered suicide in the past year.
AltaPointe covers mental health care in Baldwin County. The Behavioral Health Crisis Center is located in Mobile. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric crisis may go to the center for help with serious mental illness or substance abuse issues. You can also call 251-662-8000.
Anyone in Alabama can also call 988 to be connected with a crisis counselor.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) opted into the national program to help quickly connect those in need with special resources in their area. The state also utilizes a mobile crisis unit program to help those in rural areas.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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