BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont Department of Mental Health has unveiled a strategic plan for suicide prevention statewide.
They say in 2023 alone, 123 Vermonters died by suicide. That translates to a rate of 19 deaths per 100,000 residents.
The new plan is aimed at cutting those numbers. It includes actionable strategies and objectives, including things all Vermonters can do to contribute to suicide prevention.
Chris Allen, the director of suicide prevention at the Vermont Department of Mental Health, says the plan offers a path forward.
“This is the best guidance for how to save lives within the state. To ensure that people have the various resources that are needed in a community, in order to not only continue living but also to thrive,” Allen said.
Watch the video to see our John McMahon’s full conversation with Chris Allen.
If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available at 988.