Bridge Michigan reports that rural northern counties have Michigan’s highest suicide rates, alongside longer trips for mental health care and uneven internet access.
Northern Michigan rates and service gaps
Bridge Michigan reports that Michigan’s suicide rate was 14.9 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2023, above the national rate of 14.1. The outlet says more than 1,500 Michiganders died by suicide that year, the latest year with available data. While more deaths occurred in populous counties, Bridge Michigan reports that rates per 100,000 residents were much higher in many rural counties north of Clare.
Rural disparities
According to Bridge Michigan’s review of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services data, northern rural counties had the state’s highest suicide rates, in some cases at least double those in more populated areas. For the decade ending in 2023, the rate was as high as 35.4 in Alcona County and as low as 9.0 in Ottawa County, Bridge Michigan reports. The outlet also reports that Michigan’s overall rate rose from 13.2 per 100,000 in 2014 to 14.9 in 2023.
Barriers to care and support
Bridge Michigan reports that rural residents can face limited access to mental health services, including long travel distances for appointments. The outlet quotes a Michigan State University psychiatrist who works with the Michigan Center for Rural Health saying that travel of 40 miles can be nearly impossible for some people. Bridge Michigan also reports that distance between neighbors can limit social support, while higher poverty rates may make services harder to afford. Telehealth may help address some barriers, but the outlet reports that internet access is not reliable for everyone.
Other risks cited in the report
Bridge Michigan reports that greater access to guns in rural areas is another factor in suicide risk; firearms were used in 56% of suicides in Michigan. The outlet also reports that middle-aged Michiganders had the highest rates overall, while people working in material moving, farming, fishing and forestry had especially high rates in 2023.
What this means for Michigan patients
Bridge Michigan’s report highlights why finding treatment locally can be more difficult for people in rural communities. The directory lists 55 published clinics in Michigan, which may help patients identify local treatment options.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Michigan reporting on rural access.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.