Presentation Type

Poster

Faculty Mentor’s Full Name

Lee Banville

Faculty Mentor’s Department

Journalism

Abstract / Artist's Statement

Deaths by suicide, alcoholism and drug overdose are known as the deaths of despair. This research project seeks to explore efforts in Montana to combat deaths of despair.

In 2018, The Commonwealth Fund explored rising trends of deaths of despair at the state level. It found that from 2005 to 2016, the rate of deaths of despair increased in every state and the Disctrict of Columbia. Among the highest rates of deaths of despair is Montana. While this analysis provides valuable insight into the deaths of despair, there are many more factors that contribute to deaths of despair in rural America.

Montana, like much of rural America, is typically painted as one big place filled with similar people facing similar experiences. But in reality, Montana’s geographic, demographic and socioeconomic landscapes are remarkably diverse. Over the past few years, the American Communities Project has identified 15 types of counties (African American South, Aging Farmlands, Big Cities, College Towns, Evangelical Hubs, Exurbs, Graying America, Hispanic Centers, LDS Enclaves, Middle Suburbs, Military Posts, Native American Lands, Rural Middle America, Urban Suburbs and Working Class Country) that make up rural America and can explain trends and changes across the country at the local level.

This project focuses on Montana counties and their community types. Using county-level data of what is being implemented to combat the rising trend, this research could help inform treatment for those more susceptible to deaths of despair at the county level in Montana.

Category

Humanities

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Combating deaths of despair in Montana

Deaths by suicide, alcoholism and drug overdose are known as the deaths of despair. This research project seeks to explore efforts in Montana to combat deaths of despair.

In 2018, The Commonwealth Fund explored rising trends of deaths of despair at the state level. It found that from 2005 to 2016, the rate of deaths of despair increased in every state and the Disctrict of Columbia. Among the highest rates of deaths of despair is Montana. While this analysis provides valuable insight into the deaths of despair, there are many more factors that contribute to deaths of despair in rural America.

Montana, like much of rural America, is typically painted as one big place filled with similar people facing similar experiences. But in reality, Montana’s geographic, demographic and socioeconomic landscapes are remarkably diverse. Over the past few years, the American Communities Project has identified 15 types of counties (African American South, Aging Farmlands, Big Cities, College Towns, Evangelical Hubs, Exurbs, Graying America, Hispanic Centers, LDS Enclaves, Middle Suburbs, Military Posts, Native American Lands, Rural Middle America, Urban Suburbs and Working Class Country) that make up rural America and can explain trends and changes across the country at the local level.

This project focuses on Montana counties and their community types. Using county-level data of what is being implemented to combat the rising trend, this research could help inform treatment for those more susceptible to deaths of despair at the county level in Montana.