As suicide and opioid death numbers climb, researchers investigate how strong a connection exists.

When someone dies from suicide, it’s common for their loved ones to experience shame and isolation. That's according to Dennis Cockrum, a counselor at Parkland College in Champaign who is a survivor of suicide loss himself.

Parkland College in Champaign is hosting an event to raise awareness about a troubling statistic: 20 veterans die from suicide everyday in the U.S.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds the suicide rate in Illinois increased more than 20 percent over the past two decades. Across the U.S., suicide rates have risen an average of 30 percent in that same time period.

The national conversation around gun violence generally centers around mass shootings, school shootings and gang activity. These problems need to be addressed, but may overshadow the largest group affected: suicide victims.