MONROE — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This year, local officials are focusing on keeping loved ones and ourselves safe. CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) is a suicide prevention training that encourages safe storage of lethal means before and during a suicidal crisis.
“Having firearms in the home is a constitutionally protected right and a way of life for many people in America, especially for our Veterans,” said Clayton Ruegsegger, County Veterans Service Officer of Green County. “Unfortunately, many people that are going through a temporary crisis will end up attempting to find a solution to the pain they are in by committing suicide. These are people that would normally not think of suicide.
“Due to extenuating circumstances, they can find themselves in moments of weakness. This could be for several reasons: use of intoxicants, overwhelming pressure and significant life stressors, or no perceived solutions to their current problems. Firearms are statistically the means of choice for suicide for many men and Veterans. Due to the inherent lethality of firearms, the CALM training attempts to temporarily and voluntarily reduce access to lethal means during these times of crisis.”
Go to the SWCAP Calendar Page (swcap.org/events/), email (s.monson@swcap.org) or call (608-553-0095) Shawn Monson with Farm Well WI to sign up for one of the following in-person or online trainings:
IN-PERSON: 5:30-7 p.m., Sept. 24, Brodhead Library, and 5:30-7 p.m., Sept. 30, Monroe Library, 5:30-7:00.
ONLINE: 12-1:15 p.m., Sept. 18, and 7-8:15 p.m., Oct. 2.
Several Green County organizations work together to reach people who might be dealing with thoughts of suicide or who has lost a loved one to suicide. Look for their coasters with resources at local taverns and restaurants. Green County Mental Health Matters has also worked collaboratively to develop some new support and resources:
● New Suicide Bereavement group, 4-5:30 p.m., Mondays in main lobby resource room at GCHSD starting Sept. 23.
● New NAMI Peer Support group in main lobby resource room at GCHSD on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m., starting Oct. 22.
● Look for drink coasters with support and crisis information.
If you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, the crisis support line — for yourself or for a loved one. They can help problem-solve and identify the best way to handle a potential crisis.