Two inmates at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge died by suicide last month. Both suicides occurred within the span of two weeks, according to the Montana Department of Corrections. Montana DOC Director Brian Gootkin announced the deaths Wednesday.
Data released earlier this year from the Bureau of Justice Statistics say nationally, the number of state prisoners who died by suicide increased 20% from 2017 to 2018. That’s the highest jump recorded since the bureau started collecting mortality data in 2001.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255.