Kirk A Bol

Nationally and in Colorado, drug use disorders and fatal overdoses remain significant public health concerns. Drug overdose deaths were further classified according to the involvement of specific substances, including prescription opioid analgesics (prescription opioids), illicit opioids (including heroin), methamphetamine and cocaine, and manner (intent) of the overdose, including unintentional (accidental), intentional self-harm (suicide), and those...

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious form of abuse committed against a current or former boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or other romantic partner. IPV is often not a single, isolated event; rather it is an ongoing, violent dynamic which may ebb and flow in dangerous cycles. Unfortunately, IPV is pervasive in the United States; over 12 million people in the country experience IPV each year, and more than 80 million people are victimized at...

The suicide rate in Colorado has been steadily increasing since 2006, and presents a serious public health concern. Colorado also often ranks in the top ten highest suicide rates in the nation. In light of this there has been an increase in efforts around suicide prevention throughout the state and nationally. One specific population that is at increased risk of suicide are older adults (ages 65 and up). Suicide rates among older males are particularly...

Suicide continues to be an increasing public health problem in Colorado, nationally, and globally. According to current literature, both acute intoxication and chronic substance use can contribute to suicidal behavior and alcohol and drug abuse have been identified as one of the most common risk factors for suicidal behavior. Consequently, individuals who suffer from alcohol dependency are ten times more likely to die by suicide and those who inject...

Homicide is a significant public health concern that affects people of all backgrounds and circumstances, and demands continued attention in Colorado and across the country. Over the past decade, the homicide rate has decreased in the United States and in Colorado. Although there has been a decrease in homicide deaths year to year, the decline appears to be slowing, causing homicide to remain a target of public health prevention efforts.

Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate (19.1 deaths per 100,000 population) among all states. In 2013, suicide was the seventh leading cause of death in Colorado. From 2009 to 2013, there were 4,654 suicide deaths in Colorado, outnumbering deaths by motor vehicle accident, unintentional poisoning, falls or homicide.

Colorado has had one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, being among the ten states with the highest suicide rates for the past eight consecutive years. This report presents the most current available suicide mortality data among Colorado veterans of the US Armed Forces from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This report features demographics, injury specifics, contributing circumstances, and toxicology findings associated...