Rural Areas
Suicide rates are generally higher in rural than in urban areas (see Scope of the Problem page). Rural areas can present challenges for suicide prevention. Homes are often more spread out and access to health and behavioral health care providers and emergency medical facilities may be more limited. Access to lethal means, particularly firearms, may also be greater in rural than in urban areas. Strategies to consider as a part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention could include educating primary care providers on how to assess and manage suicide risk (including reducing access to lethal means among vulnerable individuals) and using telepsychiatry and mobile crisis teams to support individuals at risk.
Learn More
- See All Resources Related to Rural Areas (below) for a full list of materials, programs, trainings, and other information available from SPRC. Use the filters on the left to narrow your results.
- For more on other settings and groups, see our Settings and Populations pages.