According to a new report released by the B.C. Coroners Service, Northern Health has the highest rate of suicide in the province.
The latest numbers are from 2017 with the health authority recording 17.7 deaths by suicide per 100,000 persons.
The northern interior region, which includes Prince George, recorded 25 suicide deaths in 2017 compared to 22 in 2016.
It was the most out of northern B.C. regions for 2017.
The rate for the northern interior was 16.9 deaths per 100,000 persons.
The highest means of suicide deaths in the province for 2017 were hanging (225), firearms (97), and poisoning including alcohol and drugs (84).
There was a total of 572 deaths by suicide B.C. wide.
The overall rate of suicide deaths in the province was 12 deaths per 100,000 persons.
Men accounted for 75 per cent of suicide deaths in 2017 while the highest age-specific rate was among 40 to 49-year-olds, which was recorded as 16 deaths per 100,000 persons in that age group.
The month of the year in 2017 which recorded the most deaths by suicide was March with a total of 66.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can text CONNECT to 686868 (the Kids Help Line) or call 1-800-668-6868.
You can also reach the Prince George chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association at 250-564-8644.
If you are thinking about ending your life or are concerned about someone who is, you can call 1-800-784-2433 or 911.
