Somerset County Officials Are Reporting an Uptick in Suicides, Six Deaths in Last Three Weeks

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted August 18, 2023

New Jersey has the lowest suicide rate in the country, according to the United Health Foundation. So it is especially troublesome when Somerset County officials report a cluster of six suicides, ranging in ages from 16 to 91, in the just the past three weeks.

Somerset County has about 346,875 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau. With an annual suicide rate of about seven deaths per 100,000 residents, Somerset County would average about 24 deaths per year by suicide.

If the county were to have six suicide deaths every three weeks, that would be about 104 suicide deaths per year in Somerset County. The Somerset County Prosector's Office was concerned enough to send a press release today, urging residents to check on loved ones and friends.

Prosecutor John P. McDonald McDonald and Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., would like to remind residents that if you feel you may be at risk for suicide or if you know someone who may be in suicide crisis, support is available.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988. The Lifeline

offers confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in distress, prevention, and

crisis resources for you or your loved one.

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) also recommends calling or texting 988 to reach the Lifeline if you are in crisis and in need of support.

In Somerset County, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services in Somerville offers a Crisis

Intervention hotline and Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services at 908.526.4100, which

can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please reach out for these resources if you or your loved one feels they are in emotional distress

or suicidal crisis. Help is available.