The latest information from the CDC reports that 45,000 people died by suicide in 2016, the most ever been. That translates to 1,124,125 attempts.

Suicides in Oregon in 2017 were the most ever as well. It's the second leading cause of death for Oregon's 10-34 year olds, and Oregon ranks 13th in the nation.

In Curry County, suicides were the second most ever and the first two months of this year has already seen 37 suicidal subjects.

Each year, 8th and 11th graders, in 600 Oregon public school, get the opportunity to take a Pride Survey asking what they think. Every year since 2009 when county data was reported, they have shown an increase in seriously considering suicide and actual attempting suicide. Curry County was following that trend until last year when both categories made a nice shift.

The scary part is that 25 Brookings' freshmen said they had seriously considered suicide last year and 12 had actually attempted. For this year's seniors, the numbers were 37, 18 and 9.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. My hope is that everyone who cares about their neighbors and friends will learn the risks and warning signs (http://bit.ly/2oVIj7U) Better yet, watch the training schedule at http://bit.ly/2hyUzXy for the next available date that you could invest two hours to two days so that you can build the confidence to know what to do and not do. Don't regret losing a friend because you felt uncomfortable asking, "R U OK?"

Gordon Clay
Brookings