Senate panel OKs suicide prevention programs

Wednesday, May 18, 2005 | 9:49 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- New state programs to combat Nevada's high rate of suicides and to tackle problem gambling were approved by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.

Nevada's suicide rate has been 65 to 85 percent higher than the national average for the last several years, according to the state Department of Human Resources. Nevada's rate in 2003 was 18.5 persons per 100,000 population compared to the national rate of 11 per 100,000 in 2002. A study in 2003 reported that 6.2 percent of the population has problems with excessive gambling.

The Senate committee approved more than $170,000 set aside by Gov. Kenny Guinn to hire two people to start the suicide prevention program during the next two fiscal years. The 2003 Legislature authorized the beginning of the program from other funds that never materialized. Nobody was hired.

State Human Resources Director Mike Willden said one person will be based in Las Vegas and one in Northern Nevada. They will embark on a program of information in an attempt to lower the rate.

The department reported four months ago that Nevada's suicide rate for Caucasians is more than double that of minorities. And there are 16 estimated attempted suicides for each completed suicide.

The committee set aside $100,000 in each of the coming two fiscal years for the problem gambling program. Willden said that money will be used for treatment and outpatient counseling. Willden will also have authority to raise up to $100,000 each year from private funds. Some casinos have indicated a willingness to help in the program. He said the cost per person for the treatment ranges from $750 to $1,200.

The Assembly Ways and Means Committee has approved both programs also.