There is hope in El Paso County. For years, our community carried one of the highest suicide rates in Colorado — but new data shows progress.

The El Paso County Coroner’s Office released their 2024 Annual Report on Sept. 9, just one day before World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10), and the data shows 155 residents died by suicide last year — nearly an 18% decrease from 189 in 2023. Every loss is one too many, but this decline proves change is possible when a community works together.

The Suicide Prevention Collaborative of El Paso County (the Collaborative) and Pikes Peak Rising share a purpose: making well-being a community responsibility. By linking strategies, aligning partners, and building a culture of care, these efforts demonstrate what’s possible when we choose prevention, connection, and hope to tackle suicide prevention and mental health.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade described it best: “Pikes Peak Rising has grown into something far bigger than any single initiative. It represents a culture shift of tackling the challenge of mental health as a village.”

Together, the Collaborative and Pikes Peak Rising are advancing important goals, including:

• Workplace Leadership: The Pikes Peak Rising Business Collective equips employers with tools to support mental health. More than 200 City of Colorado Springs supervisors and managers have taken suicide prevention training and earned the Helping Our People Elevate Through Tough Times (H.O.P.E.) Bronze Certification, creating workplace cultures that prioritize well-being.

• Crisis Response: The Colorado Springs Police Department now partners with the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line, transferring residents in crisis directly to licensed practitioners and easing pressure on emergency responders.

• Community Strategies: The Collaborative leads trainings, firearm safety campaigns, postvention through the LOSS Team, and partnerships with schools, faith communities, healthcare systems, and the military.

• Neighborhood Connection: The 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative reduces isolation and build relationships, and last year’s campaign helped create more than 10,000 new neighbor connections in Colorado Springs.

The nearly 18% decrease in suicide deaths is encouraging, but suicide is complex, and the need is ongoing. Sustaining progress requires continued investment and involvement from every resident.

Here’s how you can help:

• Take a suicide prevention training.

• Practice safe firearm storage. Time and distance save lives.

• Connect intentionally. A simple check-in with a neighbor, coworker, or loved one can make a difference.

• Support public health funding. Strong, evidence-based systems are vital to keep momentum going.

And remember: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to learn, act, and share resources. Visit spcollab.org for more details and join the Walks of Hope every weekend in September to raise awareness and support suicide prevention. Learn more at spcollab.org/events.

Together through the Collaborative, Pikes Peak Rising, and every resident doing their part, we can continue to reduce suicide and make El Paso County a place where every person has hope, support, and the chance to thrive.

The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available for free, immediate, human support 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional, mental health, or substance use concern, call, text, or live chat with 988 today.

Abbey Mobolade, RN, is the First Lady of Colorado Springs and a nurse educator who has made suicide prevention and mental health a personal priority, helping launch the citywide initiative Pikes Peak Rising. Cass Walton is the Chair of the Suicide Prevention Collaborative of El Paso County and the Executive Director of the Suicide Prevention Partnership, leading local and statewide efforts to reduce deaths by suicide and strengthen community resilience.