The latest data available from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that almost 37,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year. It is the 10^th leading cause of death and has been increasing every year since 2000. 

Nearly a million people make a suicide attempt every year and 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. 

Although men are nearly 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women, women attempt suicide 3 times as often as men. 

Suicide rates are highest for people between the ages of 40 and 59 and is the 3^nd leading cause of death among young people, ages 15-24. 

There are millions of people who have been touched by suicide. It is estimated that 20% of families have experienced a suicide and 60% of individuals personally know someone who has completed a suicide. 

The purpose of the Triangle Coalition for Suicide Prevention is to increase community awareness about suicide, provide resources and support for those touched by suicide and to help organize and sponsor area events and fund-raisers which aid and promote suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts.

For further information contact Phil Morse at pmorse@nc.rr.com