Suicides Rise 6 Percent in Minnesota; Men Drive Increase

ST. PAUL-- State health officials say suicides are on the rise in Minnesota.

Figures released Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Health show 726 suicides were reported in Minnesota in 2015. That's up 6 percent from 2014, when 686 suicides were reported.

Minnesota's suicide rate last year was 13.1 per 100,000 people, up from 12.2 in 2014. Previously the highest rate was 13 per 100,000 in 1986.

Suicides among men drove the increase. Suicides decreased among Minnesota residents under age 25 - an age group targeted for most prevention efforts in recent years.

Minnesota's health commissioner, Dr. Ed Ehlinger, says more must be done to prevent people from killing themselves. Ehlinger says "We know suicides are preventable," and efforts must focus on helping adult men and others "find hope and help."