A report released in August 2026 by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides data-driven ways for families and schools to work together to protect young people.
The landmark Utah Youth Suicide Research Project examined the lives of 108 young Utahns lost to suicide between 2016 and 2019.
According to the study, Utah's youth suicide rate between 2016 and 2019 was 46.5% higher than the national average.
Researchers noted that the study shows challenges putting youth at risk and suggests clear actions for community members to take. Key findings from the research include:
Nearly 80% of youth who died by suicide experienced at least one form of childhood abuse or neglect. Additionally, 43.9% lived with a family member facing a mental health condition, and 27.8% lived in families stressed by healthcare costs. Regarding social connections, while over 91% of youth had someone to rely on in a crisis, only 39% reported feeling they truly belonged in their community. The study also found that nearly half of the individuals were in romantic relationships leading up to their death, with approximately two-thirds of those relationships being in the process of ending or having just broken up. Furthermore, 48.3% of the deaths involved firearms.
The State Suicide Child Fatality Review Committee outlined five core recommendations for local communities based on the research:
Recognize and address childhood trauma to provide early support. Support struggling families facing mental health, substance misuse, or financial burdens. Build true belonging by giving youth roles in schools and youth groups. Treat relationship crises, such as breakups or peer fights, as significant issues requiring adult care. Watch for subtle changes in behavior, such as mood shifts, withdrawal, or sleep changes.
The research utilized deep-dive interviews with parents, siblings, and friends to gather facts regarding why these deaths occur and how local communities can provide help.
