DODGEVILLE — The Southwestern Wisconsin Behavioral Health Partnership, as part of its mission to improve the quality of life for people in Green, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland counties, is coming together with allies across the state and nation to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month.

National Suicide Prevention Month is a time to spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. Contrary to what is believed, research has shown that acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal thoughts.

“Southwest Wisconsin is not immune to the suicide crisis that our nation is facing,” said Christie Johnston, Program Coordinator for Southwestern Wisconsin Behavioral Health Partnership. “Part of our group’s vision is to ensure residents have the resources and connections needed to achieve optimal mental health and freedom from stigma and discrimination. It is through campaigns like National Suicide Prevention Month where we can openly talk about suicide, and most importantly get help to those who might be thinking about it.”

In Wisconsin, Governor Evers declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health, calling mental and behavioral health a “burgeoning crisis” affecting the state and Wisconsin’s kids, families, and workforce. Wisconsin is on track to report more than 900 deaths by suicide this year.

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, during the month of September alone, approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S. will have suicidal thoughts, 142,000 will attempt suicide, and 4,000 will die by suicide. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States. Unfortunately, there are gaps in access for those suffering from suicidal thoughts with certain racial and ethnic groups more at risk. By

knowing and learning the risk factors and warning signs, friends, families, and loved ones can take a more active role in helping prevent suicide.

Johnston added, “A key part of suicide prevention is being there for the person who is having those thoughts. According to the 988 Lifeline, individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment. Through our coalition and our partner groups, we strive to be the friends and allies who will listen and help connect those suffering to the mental health services that they need.”

The Southwest Wisconsin Behavioral Health Partnership created a Network of Care website to make it easy to find mental health and substance misuse resources in one location. The site serves people in Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette and Richland Counties and is free to use.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide. or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the free and confidential 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline. org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.