It’s a topic that makes many people uncomfortable, but the simple act of talking about it has the power to save lives.

The National Institute of Mental Health calls suicide "a major preventable health problem," and the Surgeon General’s office has called on communities across the nation to help address the problem.

In 2009, 59 people died from suicide in Larimer County, a substantial increase over an already high average of 41 suicide deaths annually over the previous five years. The 2009 rate was about twice the national average of about 11 suicides per 100,000 people annually.

In Colorado, nearly 800 people die from suicide each year, more than from homicide, diabetes, pneumonia and influenza, breast cancer, HIV or motor vehicle crashes. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Coloradans ages 10 to 34, and the seventh leading cause of death among all Coloradans. Nationwide suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for all age groups, and the toll from suicide is about 33,000 deaths annually. No one knows why, but Rocky Mountain states have higher rates of suicide than most other states.

Dana Lindsay, executive director of the Suicide Resource Center of Larimer County, says suicide is an issue that requires a communitywide response.

"Suicide can be prevented," Lindsay says. "But it is absolutely vital that our community understands the causes of suicide and stops the stigma associated with suicide and mood disorders so that those who are struggling will get the help they need."

The mission of the Suicide Resource Center, founded in 1989, is to prevent suicide in Larimer County by raising awareness, educating and training youth and adults about depression and suicide, and providing resources and support to those who have been impacted.

The Suicide Resource Center offers presentations to community groups wanting to learn more about suicide and suicide prevention. It also provides a school-based suicide education and prevention program and support groups for people with mental-health disorders and for people who have lost loved ones to suicide.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that people with the highest risk of suicide are white men, though women and teens have a higher rate of suicide attempts. Nationally an estimated 12 to 25 nonfatal suicide attempts occur per every suicide death. Men and the elderly are more likely to have fatal attempts than are women and youth.

Suicides and suicide attempts take a tremendous toll on those who know the victims and pose a significant financial burden on local communities through hospitalizations and other emergency and police services.

"Each suicide event has a ripple effect," says Dee Colombini, coordinator of the Health District of Northern Larimer County’s Connections program. "It deeply impacts family, friends, co-workers and the entire community."

More than 90 percent of persons who die from suicide suffer from a mental disorder, most commonly depression, alcohol abuse or both, according to a 2004 study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.