After the suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and “Parts Unknown” host Anthony Bourdain this week, KWWR is taking a look at suicide rates in Missouri.
According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates in Missouri saw a 36.4 percent increase between 1999 and 2016.
The Missouri Department of Mental Health reports that white males between the ages of 45 and 59 saw the largest increase. The number jumped from 14.6 per 100 thousand people in 1999 to 25.54 in 2016.
Many of those who died never showed outward signs of mental illness.
Missouri is following a nationwide upward trend with all states, with the exception of Nevada, seeing a significant increase during that time period.
If you, or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention hotline is available 24 hours a day. The phone number is 1-800-273-8255.
Featured Events:
Auditions for Ride the Cyclone the Musical – Sedalia
12/16/2025 6:00 pm – 12/17/2025 9:00 pm Auditions for Ride the Cyclone the Musical will be held on Tuesday, December 16 & Wednesday, December 17, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Prepare a song and be prepared for basic movement. Performance dates are April 30, May 1,2…… Continue Reading
Auditions for One Man Two Guvnors -Sedalia
12/15/2025 6:00 pm – 12/17/2025 9:00 pm Auditions for the musical “One Man Two Guvnors” will be held on Monday, December 15, Tuesday, December 16, and Wednesday, December 17, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Liberty Center in Sedalia. Auditions consist of cold readings of the script. performance dates are Thursday, February 26,…… Continue Reading
Lincoln University Holiday Extravaganza – Jefferson City
12/02/2025 6:00 pm – 12/02/2025 8:00 pm Lincoln University Holiday Extravaganza will be held on Tuesday, December 2, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Lincoln University campus Quad in Jefferson City. The community is invited to join the Blue Tigers as we usher in the holidays at this festive gathering on LU campus.…… Continue Reading
Give Something That Means Something Red Cross Blood Drive – Middletown
11/25/2025 1:00 pm – 11/25/2025 6:00 pm American Red Cross Give Something That Means Something Blood Drive will be held on Tuesday, November 25, from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Middletown Baptist Church. Please call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCross.org and enter MiddletownMO to schedule an appointment. Add to my calendar image/svg+xmlOutlook Calendar…… Continue Reading
First Presbyterian Church Community Thankgiving Meal – Mexico
11/27/2025 11:00 am – 11/27/2025 3:00 pm Don’t dine alone. Please join the First Presbyterian Church for a community-wide Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, November 27, serving from 11:00 am until gone at the First Presbyterian Church, 214 N. Jefferson St, Mexico. Serving Ham, Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and dessert. Call (573)594-2049 by 11:00…… Continue Reading
December Cooney Preschool Pals – Sedalia
12/20/2025 9:30 am – 12/20/2025 10:30 am Cooney Studio presents December Cooney Preschool Pals will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Cooney Studio in the Liberty Center in Sedalia. $10 per artist. To enroll, visit www.libertycentersedalia.com Preschool pals features an opening activity, guided art making, and fine…… Continue Reading