FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Health officials in Allen County are alarmed by new numbers that show a rising number of suicides.

In 2014, 50 people killed themselves in Allen County. Last year, that number shot up 50% to 75 deaths. Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan tells the Journal Gazette the rise is a “crisis” that’s being seen around the country.

Indiana’s suicide rate has gone up 32% since 1999, and the national rate is up 25%. 81% of those who took their own lives in Allen County were male, and most were between the ages of 25 and 50.

McMahan is asking doctors and public health experts to screen people who might be considering ending their own lives, and to come up with solutions through treatment and outreach.