Missouri Boosts Early Suicide Prevention Efforts at 2025 Statewide Conference

Missouri is taking a proactive approach to suicide prevention, with state leaders, health professionals, and advocates coming together at the annual Missouri Suicide Prevention Conference to discuss progress, strategies, and the path forward. Held in Columbia, the 2025 event attracted over 1,000 attendees, reflecting growing momentum and a cultural shift around mental health support across the state.

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🔍 A Shift Toward Early Intervention

This year’s conference focused heavily on early intervention, especially in schools and rural communities, where suicide rates remain higher than average. The event featured 12 breakout sessions covering key areas like:

• School-based crisis response

• Suicide risk assessment

• Protective mental health factors

• Data-driven prevention planning

For many, the event was deeply personal. Cassidy Krieg, a provisionally licensed therapist, shared:

“I lost family members to suicide. Being here helps me both personally and professionally to understand risk factors and prevention tools.”

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📉 Suicide Rates Decline Slightly — But Remain High

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a glimmer of hope:

• Missouri’s suicide rate fell from 19 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 to approximately 18 in 2023.

• Despite the decline, the state still ranks above the national average.

Health experts remain cautious, especially due to persistent high-risk demographics:

• Men

• Residents of rural areas

Cassady Palmer, an epidemiologist with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, explained:

“Missouri has consistently ranked above the national average since tracking began.”

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💬 Changing Attitudes Toward Mental Health

The conference highlighted a positive cultural shift: the stigma around seeking mental health support is steadily decreasing.

“It’s no longer seen as weak or bad to reach out for help,” Palmer emphasized.

Increased awareness and education are playing major roles in reshaping how Missourians view mental health.

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📊 Public Access to Suicide Data: A Game-Changer

One of the most notable developments is the public release of Missouri's violent death data. For the first time, communities can access this information directly through the state health department’s website.

Why it matters:

• Supports local planning

• Enables data-driven prevention

• Helps secure grant funding

“Making this data public is a huge first step,” Palmer said. “It empowers local leaders to take informed action.”

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🤝 Growing Momentum and Hope for the Future

The diverse mix of participants—ranging from mental health professionals and educators to survivors and everyday citizens—reflects the broad commitment to reducing suicide rates in Missouri.

Bart Andrews, Chief Clinical Officer at Behavioral Health Response, shared a hopeful outlook:

“Missouri is gaining confidence in its ability to prevent suicide. We’re finally moving from awareness to action.”

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📞 Need Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7. You’re not alone—and help is always available.