Bringing awareness to suicide prevention
August 22, 2014
In Wisconsin’s Columbia County, leaders from across the public sector have formed a coalition to address rates of suicide deaths and attempts that are higher than the state’s average. “We believe that suicide is preventable,” said Sara Jesse, coordinator of Prevent Suicide Columbia County. “And we are convinced that we need a multi-faceted approach to address this issue from as many angles as we can.” Some of its first actions have been to promote awareness by hosting a fundraising Signs of Suicide walk, and to offer suicide prevention trainings in schools and other settings. The group is also collaborating with a local substance abuse prevention coalition, knowing that substance abuse is a factor in many suicidal thoughts and actions. A top priority is to improve access to mental health care in their underserved area.
Spark Extra! Check out this webinar on Preventing Youth Suicide in Rural America.