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  • Home
  • Our Sponsors
  • Weekly Happenings
  • Bradford County
  • Starke
  • Brooker
  • Graham
  • Hampton
  • Lawtey
  • Melrose/Keystone Heights
  • Links for Bradford County
  • City/Town Links
  • State/Federal Links
  • Business Links
  • Non-Profits in the Area
The Bradford Connection

Connecting People with Community Information

Connecting People with Community InformationConnecting People with Community InformationConnecting People with Community Information

A community information service to discover events, resources, and support in North Central Florida's own Bradford County. Our goal is to provide access to centralized community information for all of Bradford County.

Your Life Matters

National Suicide Prevention Month: - Dial 988 -

People often shy away from speaking about suicide or mental crisis.  Unfortunately for our county, a crisis leading to suicide is more prevalent than one might think.  


For rural Florida, 2024 suicide information shows that residents in non-metropolitan areas face higher suicide rates than their urban counterparts. Key trends include significant disparities for older adults and the persistent risk factors of limited access to healthcare and economic hardship. 


Suicide trends in rural areas:


  • Higher rural rates: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that suicide rates have been consistently higher in rural areas compared to urban areas over the last two decades.
  • Persistent increase: From 2000 to 2020, suicide rates in non-metropolitan (rural) areas increased by 46%, significantly more than the 27.3% increase in metropolitan areas.
  • Higher non-fatal attempts: Residents of rural communities have a 1.5 times higher rate of non-fatal, self-harm-related emergency room visits than urban residents. 


Key statistics for Florida:

  • Older adult disparities: A 2024 Senior Report by America's Health Rankings highlights concerning disparities for older adults in Florida. From 2020 to 2022, the suicide rate for white adults aged 65 and older was 24.2 per 100,000, 6.4 times higher than for Black older adults. Additionally, frequent mental distress among older adults with self-care difficulties was 9.1 times higher than among those without disabilities.
  • Lower rates of care in rural areas: The same report noted that in 2022, non-metropolitan residents aged 65 and older had a 1.8 times higher prevalence of full-mouth teeth extractions than their metropolitan counterparts, a finding that correlates with reduced access to routine healthcare services.
  • Youth behavioral health: A 2024 survey of Florida youth found that rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased for more than a decade before peaking in 2022 and subsequently declining in 2024. However, female students continue to report substantially higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than male students. 


Risk factors in rural communities:


Data published by the CDC in September 2024 connects suicide rates to socioeconomic factors that are particularly relevant to rural areas. Suicide rates were significantly lower in counties with higher health insurance coverage, broadband internet access, and income levels. The limited access to mental health resources and economic hardships often found in remote areas contribute to a higher risk of suicide. Prevention and resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people in distress. A 2024 report on Central Florida indicated that younger and male students were more likely to report they would use the hotline.
  • Florida Department of Health: The state health department participates in the national Suicide Prevention Interagency Plan, coordinating data analysis and addressing disparities in suicide rates among special populations, including rural residents.

A.J. Craft, Thank You!

After sitting down with A.J. Craft and thoroughly enjoying our conversation, A.J. and I got down to business.  We discussed our travels, the pros and cons of living in a small town, and how much we both want this town and county to be successful.  Read all about me, this site, and K Social by clicking here.  

Every sponsor makes a huge difference.

Consider a Sponsorship

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and continue to bring Bradford County together!! 

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Empowering Our Community

The Santa Fe College Andrews Center building, red brick, white trim, palm trees, oak trees, shrubs

Our Mission

At The Bradford Connection, we strive to empower residents of North Central Florida by providing essential and centralized community information and resources. Our mission is to foster a connected community where everyone can thrive and find the support they need.  Check out our community information service website and find the knowledge you need today!

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    • Brooker
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    • Business Links
    • Non-Profits in the Area

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