Gokseong-gun Shows Lowest Suicide Rate in Jeonnam with 13.8 per 100,000 People

Gokseong-gun Sees 49% Decrease Year-on-Year, Effective Implementation of Suicide Prevention Projects Including Life Cycle Depression Screening

[Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 1st that it has the lowest suicide rate among the 22 cities and counties in Jeollanam-do.

According to the 2019 Cause of Death Statistics released by Statistics Korea, Gokseong-gun recorded a suicide rate of 13.8 per 100,000 people.

This is half the rate compared to 27 per 100,000 in 2018, and is noticeably lower than the national average of 26.9 and the Jeollanam-do average of 25.4.

Gokseong-gun attributes the decrease in suicide rates mainly to the operation of the Gokseong-gun Mental Health Welfare Center. The center manages the mental health of residents by conducting depression and mental health screenings across the life cycle, from children to the elderly.

In 2019, the center conducted depression and mental health screenings for about 3,200 residents aged 10 and older, accounting for 11% of the population, to identify high-risk groups early.

Residents identified as high-risk were provided consultations with psychiatric specialists, and those requiring treatment were given financial support for treatment and hospital accompaniment services.

In particular, for elderly high-risk groups, the center runs a mental health program called "Life Shining the Brightest Now," aimed at preventing depression and promoting respect for life.

Additionally, the center is working to establish a suicide prevention cooperation system with local private businesses. As part of the carbon monoxide poisoning suicide prevention project, it is conducting a campaign to improve the sales practices of briquette charcoal at stores selling it, under the Life Love Practice Store initiative for suicide prevention.

With local lodging businesses, the center promotes the "Life Love Lodging Business" project by installing carbon monoxide detectors in lodging facilities and providing owner education to detect and prevent high-risk suicide groups early. Furthermore, the center collaborates with local pharmacies and pesticide shops through the "Life Love Practice Store" project as part of suicide means management.

Regarding alcohol-related issues closely linked to suicide, the center actively intervenes through the "Todak Todak Bottle Opener" project targeting local liquor stores and restaurants. Moreover, it continuously promotes suicide prevention education and campaigns to foster a culture of respect for life among residents.

A county official stated, "Screenings and consultations are not only for those who are ill but are like regular health checkups that anyone can receive," and added, "If you feel depressed or similar feelings, please feel free to visit the Mental Health Welfare Center anytime."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.