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:
February Cooney Preschool Pals – Sedalia
02/28/2026 9:30 am – 02/28/2026 10:30 am February Cooney Preschool Pals will be held on Saturday, February 28, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Cooney Studio in Sedalia. Preschool pals features and opening activity, guided art making, and fine motor stations. Stay for as long as your little artist’s needs are met. Adults…… Continue Reading
Third Thursday Connect – Sedalia
02/19/2026 6:00 pm – 02/19/2026 9:00 pm The Third Thursday Connect with Janice Hargrave will be held on Thursday, February 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Cooney Studio. Painting Mo Landscape Collage. $30 per person. Enjoy a fun night out and get creative. To enroll, visit https://libertycentersedalia.com/ Add to my calendar image/svg+xmlOutlook…… Continue Reading
VFW Post 2657 Friday Night Meal – Fulton
01/23/2026 4:30 pm – 01/23/2026 7:00 pm VFW Post 2657 Friday Night Meal will be held on Friday, January 23, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Fulton VFW Post 2657. $17 all you can eat Fried chicken, baked ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, and cole slaw. Add to my calendar image/svg+xmlOutlook…… Continue Reading
Kiwanis Club Annual Pancake Breakfast – Montgomery City
01/31/2026 7:00 am – 01/31/2026 11:00 am Montgomery City Kiwanis Club Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 31, from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Montgomery City Senior Center. Adults $10 – Children $3 (3-10 years) Proceeds help fund numerous local activities for area youth. Add to my calendar image/svg+xmlOutlook Calendar…… Continue Reading
St. Clement Parish Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Dinner – Bowling Green
02/13/2026 4:00 pm – 02/13/2026 7:30 pm St. Clement Parish Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Dinner, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 1928 and the St. Clement Ladies of Sodality, to be held on Friday, February 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or while supplies last. $15 per person ( cash or check) at the…… Continue Reading
Annual Spring Sing -Columbia
03/21/2026 10:00 am – 03/21/2026 7:00 pm The Liberty Belles (and Bob) and Liberty Baptist Church are happy to be hosting the annual Spring Sing on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Liberty Baptist Church in Columbia. A new group sings every 20 minutes with a break for lunch. Pack…… Continue Reading