Colorado Sees Major Decline in Teen Deaths by Suicide

Teen deaths by suicide have decreased significantly over the years in Colorado. So much, in fact, that the rates are the lowest that they have been in nearly two decades.

According to 9 News, teen suicide rates are the lowest they have been since 2007 in the state of Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Office of Suicide Prevention said that rates have dropped to 39 in 2024 in the age group of 10 to 18-year-olds.

Colorado Teen Suicide Rates Have Dropped by Half Since 2020

In 2020, suicide rates in the 10 to 18-year-old age group peaked at 87. The Office for Suicide Prevention believes that the decrease in youth suicide rates is a reflection of the programming across the state that is committed to youth suicide prevention.

READ MORE: Colorado Ranked Among Healthiest States in the Nation

One of the programs helping struggling youth is The Second Wind Fund. This organization works to connect young people with suicidal thoughts to mental health providers and up to 12 sessions of therapy for free.

Over the last two years, we have seen a 96 percent increase in the number of referrals coming to our organization—58 percent more in just the last year alone.

Gabriel Guillame, the executive director of The Second Wind Fund, told 9 News.

Suicide Rates Stabilizing Across Colorado

Earlier in 2025, the State of Colorado released data showing that suicide rates among Coloradans throughout all age ranges were stabilizing after the peak COVID-19 pandemic years.

READ MORE: Colorado Teen Programs Making a Difference

The Second Wind Fund started in Jefferson County, Colorado, with a fundraiser walk after four students from the same high school died by suicide. Since then, it has grown into a statewide organization. More information can be found at thesecondwindfund.org.