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.

First responders as an occupation, have a unique relationship with suicide deaths. They are often the people who come into contact with suicidal individuals and respond to suicide deaths within their day-to-day work. Additionally research has shown that first responders may be at higher risk for suicide. In response to this, the Suicide Prevention Commission of Colorado recommends developing suicide prevention strategies specific to these occupations....

Suicide is a public health issue of significant concern nationally and in the state of Colorado. The adolescent population is a particularly vulnerable group which is in many ways less understood than adults, and whose suicides rank high in terms of years of life lost. Additionally, suicides in this population could be more easily preventable through parental interaction and limiting access to lethal means.