By Louis Martin, RCAC staff writer

A recent University of Ohio study raises important questions about suicide in rural communities. The study correlated suicide rates based on where victims lived. Rural areas had notably higher rates, 22 per 100,000 people, compared to 17.6 in large metropolitan areas.

Researchers pointed out that leading suicide indicators are consistent regardless of location: lack of education, low employment rates and reliance on government assistance programs are all key factors. In addition to these challenges, rural America had other unique factors.

Ohio State measured what they termed “social capital.” Access to local sports centers, nightlife and romantic connections all contributed to an area’s social capital. Suicides in regions with less social capital were higher, many of them outside urban areas. The researchers concluded the study by urging lawmakers to focus on economic development in rural America.

Read the full story from ABC News at https://abcnews.go.com/US/jobless-research-rising-suicide-rates-rural-america/story?id=65468444