METHODS: Suicides from high places were identified through death certificate data from 2010 to 2015. The first analysis was restricted to Minnesota residents and identified deaths with an ICD-10 code of X80 or X71, and included a keyword search in the cause of death fields. A follow-up analysis was also run that examined all deaths in Minnesota (not just Minnesota residents) where the manner of death listed was suicide. Cases were similarly identified with an ICD-10 code of X80 or X71, but an expanded keyword search in the cause of death field was used. The suicides were mapped using Epi Info 7 to provide a visual distribution of cases to identify geographic areas of interest.
RESULTS: From 2010 to 2015, 145 suicides from high places were identified in Minnesota; the follow-up analysis identified an additional 15 suicides, primarily to out of state residents. Among Minnesota resident suicides (N = 130), 49 occurred from bridges, generally within Minneapolis or Saint Paul. Mapping the suicides showed deaths were widely distributed within Minneapolis and Saint Paul, but four areas were found where 3 or more suicides occurred from 2010 to 2015. Although, overall, no trends over time were noted, there had been an increase at the bridge within the concerned community.
CONCLUSIONS: The bridge of concern had seven suicides since 2010, the most of any structure in Minnesota. Because of this analysis, the MDH is working with the local community to provide suicide prevention resources. This analysis also associated another structure, a parking ramp, with a high number of suicides, facilitating discussion of community-based interventions. The MDH is now funding a grant to educate media on reporting of suicides such as these, to limit contagion.