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:
“Coats for Kids” – Mexico
12/12/2025 4:00 pm – 12/12/2025 7:00 pm The Mexico Knights of Columbus will host “Coats for Kids”, a Community Coat Drive and Fish Fry on Friday, December 12, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the KC Hall, 9584 State Hwy 15 in Mexico. Inside dining is an all-you-care-to-eat fish dinner $15.00, and a Children’s plate $6.00.…… Continue Reading
Eleanor`s Attic Christmas Open House – Paris
12/04/2025 5:00 pm – 12/04/2025 7:00 pm Eleanor`s Attic is hosting a Christmas Open House on December 4th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Eleanor’s Attic. There will be live music, door prizes, Christmas bags for the kids, and store discounts. Step into the magic of the season with Eleanor`s Attic. (open our normal hours…… Continue Reading
Centralia Senior Center Gift Wrapping – Centralia
11/30/2025 10:00 am – 12/22/2025 6:00 pm The Centralia Senior Center will be offering Gift Wrapping on Sunday, November 30, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday, December 13, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Sunday, December 21 & Monday, December 22, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Centralia Senior Center, 211 W Bruton…… Continue Reading
Blue Christmas – Auxvasse
12/14/2025 4:00 pm – 12/14/2025 8:00 pm You’re invited to a Blue Christmas on Sunday, December 14, at 4:00 pm at the Auxvasse Christian Church. Shorter days & darkness can stir feelings of grief, loneliness, and pain. Join the Auxvasse Christian Church as the community finds hope, peace, and love even in the midst of…… Continue Reading
Annual Christmas Music Sing – Auxvasse
12/07/2025 5:30 pm – 12/07/2025 9:00 pm Annual Christmas Music Sing will be held on Sunday, December 7, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Auxvasse Christian Church. They will kick off the Christmas season with their annual Christmas music night. They welcome anyone who would like to share their talent of singing, instrumental, poetry, or…… Continue Reading
Holiday Home Tour – Mexico
12/07/2025 2:00 pm – 12/07/2025 6:00 pm Holiday Home Tour will be held on Sunday, December 7, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. $15 per person (Tickets NOT sold at Homes ) Tickets can be purchased at Century 21, Webber Pharmacy, Jackson Street Pharmacy or by calling Nancy at (573)721-6247 or Susan at (573)473-8241. Sponsored…… Continue Reading