In acknowledgement of the 886 people who died by suicide in Wisconsin in 2018, Gov. Tony Evers announced September 2019 to be Suicide Prevention Month, and Sept. 10 as Suicide Prevention Day subsequently.
“We have to get serious about destigmatizing mental health and suicide and start investing in much-needed mental health resources, especially for our kids at school and our farmers who are facing unprecedented economic challenges,” Evers said in a press release. “It is critically important that we all work together to reduce barriers to and shame around seeking help and raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention across our state.”
The proclamation further addresses the importance of establishing awareness, improving collaboration on multiple systematic levels — familial, government agencies, etc. — and giving support to our loved ones.
Suicide is considered an area of top priority within the five-year State Public Health Plan, Healthy Wisconsin, specifically reducing stigma surrounding the issue.
Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, leads a task force on suicide prevention, and is hosting a public hearing on Sept. 9 in Wauwatosa for Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee QPR Trainers Dr. Barbara Moser and Leah Rolando to speak.
If you or someone you know needs free, confidential help, resources are available by calling 1-800-273-8255 or texting HOPELINE to 741741.
