Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Montana has been a leader in the nation in deaths by suicide for over 40 years, making it one of Montana’s largest public health priorities. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 18 in the state of Montana. As of 2017, 10% of all 9th-12th-grade students in Montana self-report to attempting suicide in the past year (16% for Native youth and 20% for youth with disabilities). Montanans risk factors for suicide continue as they age and most deaths by suicide in Montana are white (91%), men (79%), middle-aged (53%), and utilize lethal means such as firearms (63%). Montana also has the highest per capita death rate of veterans in the nation at 68 per 100,000 (national average is 17).
To address the complex nature of suicide in Montana this project took an innovative approach of combining the historical and cultural wisdom of Montana with existing secondary data sources, electronic message data from a national suicide prevention source, and a community-wide assessment. This project initially sought to find a correlation between suicidal ideation and variables such as experiences with depression, family conflict, relational challenges, anxiety, substance abuse, and many other risk factors. To increase my understanding of suicide, risk factors, and prevention programming, I completed a literature review of over 300 articles assessing for evidence of effectiveness and feasibility within Montana.
However, mid-project it became apparent that one of the largest barriers to addressing suicide in the state of Montana is the fragmentations of systems (public health departments, schools, mental health service providers, community groups, and individuals and families). To address this, I completed a county program assessment in which I contacted at least one prevention coordinator (i.e. school-based, public health, or medical provider) from each county, reservation, and Urban Indian Center. Following this, I cataloged innovative, evidence-based, and culturally relevant programs to be published later this year on the web.
Research on suicidal ideation and intention is over 100 years-old. Despite having a breadth of research on the subject there are significant gaps when looking to address suicidality in Montana. To understand the unique nature of suicide in Montana and barriers for addressing it one must understand the history and culture as valid data sources. Montana’s culture of isolation, self-resilience, emotional stoicism, and demand for privacy create unique barriers for addressing the silent nature of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In addition, the history of colonization and systemic genocide of Native people and the devaluing of women, children, and other marginalized groups cannot be forgotten. Each of these factors was included as part of the analysis for each element of this project.
To date, the findings of this research have been presented to key stakeholders and state leaders such as the Governor’s office and the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This project will be used to develop resources to inform local and state-level policies and statewide investments to improve suicide prevention programs statewide.
Mentor Name
Ryan Tolleson Knee
Montana: The Last Best Place to Die by Suicide – An evaluation of Montana’s fragmented prevention efforts.
UC North Ballroom, Presentation Pod 1
Montana has been a leader in the nation in deaths by suicide for over 40 years, making it one of Montana’s largest public health priorities. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 18 in the state of Montana. As of 2017, 10% of all 9th-12th-grade students in Montana self-report to attempting suicide in the past year (16% for Native youth and 20% for youth with disabilities). Montanans risk factors for suicide continue as they age and most deaths by suicide in Montana are white (91%), men (79%), middle-aged (53%), and utilize lethal means such as firearms (63%). Montana also has the highest per capita death rate of veterans in the nation at 68 per 100,000 (national average is 17).
To address the complex nature of suicide in Montana this project took an innovative approach of combining the historical and cultural wisdom of Montana with existing secondary data sources, electronic message data from a national suicide prevention source, and a community-wide assessment. This project initially sought to find a correlation between suicidal ideation and variables such as experiences with depression, family conflict, relational challenges, anxiety, substance abuse, and many other risk factors. To increase my understanding of suicide, risk factors, and prevention programming, I completed a literature review of over 300 articles assessing for evidence of effectiveness and feasibility within Montana.
However, mid-project it became apparent that one of the largest barriers to addressing suicide in the state of Montana is the fragmentations of systems (public health departments, schools, mental health service providers, community groups, and individuals and families). To address this, I completed a county program assessment in which I contacted at least one prevention coordinator (i.e. school-based, public health, or medical provider) from each county, reservation, and Urban Indian Center. Following this, I cataloged innovative, evidence-based, and culturally relevant programs to be published later this year on the web.
Research on suicidal ideation and intention is over 100 years-old. Despite having a breadth of research on the subject there are significant gaps when looking to address suicidality in Montana. To understand the unique nature of suicide in Montana and barriers for addressing it one must understand the history and culture as valid data sources. Montana’s culture of isolation, self-resilience, emotional stoicism, and demand for privacy create unique barriers for addressing the silent nature of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In addition, the history of colonization and systemic genocide of Native people and the devaluing of women, children, and other marginalized groups cannot be forgotten. Each of these factors was included as part of the analysis for each element of this project.
To date, the findings of this research have been presented to key stakeholders and state leaders such as the Governor’s office and the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This project will be used to develop resources to inform local and state-level policies and statewide investments to improve suicide prevention programs statewide.