KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee State University study looked into suicide rates from 2018 to 2021 across the country. That research identified a 12-state suicide belt where suicide rates were found to be higher.
The study found rates were higher in rural communities. It also identified some common trends, such as a lack of access to mental health resources and a stigma related to treatment.
Candace Banister lost her son to suicide over eight years ago. He was a sophomore at Farragut High School…