Last fall, CapRadio Health Care Reporter Sammy Caiola spent six months investigating the high suicide rate in Amador County. She spoke with residents from the community who have experienced suicidal feelings. They included a mother, a high schooler and senior citizens.

Studies show that the people who live in this rural county that neighbors Sacramento County to the east are at a higher risk of suicide than their urban peers. The wait lines for mental health treatment centers can be months long, and public transportation is sparse. Caiola reported on the ways Amador County is stepping up to tackle this problem, which includes challenging the region’s culture of suffering in silence.

Caiola joins us to discuss the project and introduce us to the personal stories she highlighted in the reporting series. Then, she’ll give us an update on efforts in Amador County — and statewide — to bring the suicide rate down.