Sunrise over mountains in Western North Dakota image

Populations

The University of North Dakota (UND) and NORC at the University of Chicago have partnered on a five-year grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address the steadily increasing suicide rate in western North Dakota (ND) and statewide. Called ND HOPES, the program serves three disproportionately affected populations including rural residents, veterans, and youth residing where the suicide rate is significantly greater than the state average.

Rural communities are disproportionately impacted by suicide. In fact, the frontier region served by ND HOPES saw a 167.9% increase in suicide over the last decade. Rural communities are often left reeling after a suicide loss due to their small populations.

ND HOPES is supporting its rural communities with tailored community-based trainings, lethal means safety education and training, school-based programming, and evidence-based interventions in healthcare settings, both in-person and via telehealth.

Not sure where to get started? That’s okay! Contact us, and we’ll set up a meeting to discuss your goals and come up with a game plan.

Screenshot of the RHIhub website landing page.

Resource Spotlight

Rural Suicide Prevention Toolkit

This toolkit compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations developing, implementing, and sustaining suicide prevention programs in rural communities.

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Veterans are disproportionately impacted by suicide due to factors such as depression, substance use, and access to firearms. ND HOPES is tailoring trainings, interventions, resources, and communications for veterans, ensuring that both veterans and those providing their care feel supported and aware of where they can turn for services.

Not sure where to get started? That’s okay! Contact us, and we’ll set up a meeting to discuss your goals and come up with a game plan.

A screenshot of the resource titled "Suicide Prevention Resources" with a family standing with a veteran.

Resource Spotlight

Veterans Resources Handout

Handout of essential resources for working with veterans on suicide prevention.

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ND HOPES takes a multi-tiered, strengths-based approach to suicide prevention that focuses on resilience, hope, and joy within communities. Activities include:

1) Tailored community-based trainings for professionals in youth-serving programs

2) Evidence-based interventions in schools and healthcare settings that meet the needs of all youth

Not sure where to get started? That’s okay! Contact us, and we’ll set up a meeting to discuss your goals and come up with a game plan.

Did You Know?

In North Dakota, 1 in 5 Youth Deaths are due to Suicide.

Asian Youth in North Dakota die by suicide at 4x the rate of white youth.

Male Youth in North Dakota die by suicide 3x more often than female youth.

Indigenous Youth in North Dakota die by suicide at 2x the rate of white youth.

50%

50% of North Dakota youth suicides were by firearm.

87%

87.5% of Youth Suicides occurred in the Child's home.

Handguns were used 6x

more often than shotguns or rifles in firearm-related youth suicides.

Leaving firearms unlocked and loaded increases risk of suicide.

Sources: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. (2025). 2023-2025 North Dakota Child Fatality Review Panel report. https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/CFS/child-fatality-report-2023-2025.pdf

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Teens and Suicide: What Parents Should Know
(American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

As a parent, you can approach suicide prevention in the same way you do other safety or health issues for your children. By educating yourself, you can learn what puts kids at greatest risk for suicide – and what protects them most strongly.

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