Utah has the 5th highest suicide rate in the nation. Youth are particularly vulnerable to this. In 2014, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utah youth ages 10-17. Young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ are particularly susceptible to suicide but, as of right now, the Utah Department of Health does not gather any statistical data on these individuals. The state of Utah has a history of making it difficult for LGBTQ+ youth to feel supported and recognized, and this message is made even clearer by ignoring the gathering of data.
Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System surveys (YRBSS).