by Kevin Zimmermann
(WHBL) – Suicide is a growing problem in Wisconsin, and a call-to-action issued Wednesday aims to make a difference over the next 5 years. Wisconsin’s suicide rate rose 40 percent between 2000 and 2017, and last year, 850 Wisconsin residents died by suicide. To address the issue, Prevent Suicide Wisconsin – a public/private partnership that includes the Department of Health Services – released guidance that outlines strategies and opportunities for action that provide a path toward reducing suicide attempts and deaths.
The action comes as we enter Suicide Prevention Month in September, and Prevent Suicide Wisconsin said we can each act to help those in trouble by asking if they’re considering suicide, to be there to support them, keep them safe, help connect them with resources and then follow up to see how they’re doing.
People in suicidal crisis or emotional distress can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or text HOPELINE to 741741 for support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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