Uncovering unsettling suicide, overdose statistics related to the COVID-19 pandemic

On this episode of Behind the Headlines, host Teri Barr is talking with David Wilcox, features editor for The Citizen in Auburn, New York, who realized rising suicide and overdose statistics tell another story about the COVID-19 pandemic.

David had been interested in mental health numbers, both pre-pandemic and during the peak in 2020 and 2021, and you may be surprised by what his reporting uncovered.

David’s planning several follow-ups, including when to ask for help and how to be sure you get it. 

You can catch up on David's work here:

• 'A perfect storm': Rising stats tell another story of COVID-19 in Cayuga County 5/11/2022
• With Cayuga County suicide rate still high, doctor urges mental health care 12/16/2021
  Clear path: Auburn wellness center opens as COVID-19 drives need 11/3/2021
• As opioids drive overdose deaths, Cayuga County eyes task force 5/25/2021
• 'Our community is hurting': Cayuga County OD deaths, suicides rise in 2020 2/5/2022
• 'It's a struggle': Need for help in Cayuga County surges during COVID-19 3/13/2022
• Despite COVID-19 mental health crisis, Auburn support group dissolves 2/12/2021
• 'It scares me': Cayuga County's new drug problem during COVID-19 3/13/2022
• In Auburn, some numbers show COVID-19 impact more than others 10/12/2020

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Behind the Headlines features interviews with reporters and editors from newspapers owned by Lee Enterprises, including its Public Service Journalism team. Lee Enterprises is a leading provider of local news and information, and a major platform for advertising, with daily newspapers, rapidly-growing digital products, marketing services, innovative technology and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 77 markets in 26 states.