Suicide rate up for middle-aged Americans

The suicide rate among middle-aged Americans has reached its highest point in at least 25 years, according to a government report released yesterday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reported that the suicide rate rose by about 20 percent in recent years for ages 45 through 54. That far outpaced increases among younger adults. Experts said they don't know why the suicide rates are rising so dramatically in that age group. Roughly 32,000 suicides occur each year in the U.S.

Report: Surge in teen suicide

The suicide rate among preteen and teenage girls has risen to its highest level in a decade, according to a CDC report out today. The report by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also says hanging has replaced firearms as the most common method. The report says there were 94 U.S. suicides among 10-14 year-olds in 2004, compared to 56 in 2003 – a jump of 76%.

Jail inmate commits suicide

An inmate at the Oglethorpe County jail was found hanging in his jail cell in an apparent suicide.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the death of the 23-year-old man, whose name has not been released.

The GBI says there is no sign of foul play.