Report: 2017 suicides in Allen County up 50% since 2014

In 2017, 75 people killed themselves, according to data from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health. That's up from 50 suicides in 2014.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report last week showing rates have risen in nearly every state since 1999. Indiana's rate grew nearly 32 percent over that period, and the national rate has grown about 25 percent, according to the government study.

Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan on Thursday called the rise in suicides a crisis and called on doctors, public health experts, counselors and media outlets to work harder to address the issue through treatment, outreach and educational programs.

McMahan asked physicians to screen people who might be considering suicide and for ideas to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.