North Carolina youth face alarming rise in violent deaths

In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted alarming trends in youth violence and suicide rates in North Carolina, particularly emphasizing the stark increase in rural suicides, which have risen to 72%. The discussions were informed by a year-old issue of the North Carolina Medical Journal dedicated to firearm injury and violence, featuring contributions from prominent state leaders including Governor Cooper and Secretary Kinsley.

The meeting also referenced a significant conference held in September, which brought together 150 participants to discuss prevention strategies. This event, organized by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Public Safety, featured 35 national and state speakers and distributed approximately 1,000 gun locks to promote safety.

Data presented during the meeting revealed concerning statistics regarding violent deaths among school-aged children (ages 6 to 18) from 2018 to 2022. Over this five-year period, approximately 750 children were affected, with males experiencing violent death rates nearly four times higher than females. The highest rates were observed among Black non-Hispanic and American Indian non-Hispanic youth, particularly those aged 15 to 18. In 2022, homicides accounted for 56% of violent deaths in this demographic, marking a troubling shift where homicide rates have surpassed suicide rates—a trend also seen in other states.

The meeting underscored the need for continued efforts in prevention, particularly regarding firearm-related suicides, which remain disproportionately high. Officials noted that a significant portion of youth suicides involved firearms, but other methods, such as hanging or strangulation, also contributed to the statistics. Importantly, about a quarter of males and a fifth of females who died by suicide had disclosed their intentions prior to the event, highlighting the critical need for intervention and support systems.

The data and discussions from this meeting reflect a growing concern over youth violence and mental health in North Carolina, prompting calls for enhanced prevention strategies and community engagement.