Recent studies have shown a dramatic increase in suicide rates across the United States, but Orange County has seen it worse that most areas. Whereas the nation has seen an increase of 22% from 1999 to 2013, OC has seen its rates rise by 45% — the largest increase of any of the US's 20 most populous counties. The data has alarmed Orange County Supervisors Lisa Bartlett and Andrew Do, who want to have a discussion about the matter before the full Board of Supervisors and the county's Health Care Agency. The county cares about the issue because suicide attempts have led to $60 million in costs each year from 2009 to 2011. But what else can be done on a local level to stop suicides?
KCRW
