Prevent Suicide Wisconsin

Prevent Suicide Wisconsin (PSW) is a statewide public-private partnership that was formed in 2009 when stakeholders identified the need to create an umbrella organization for suicide prevention efforts in Wisconsin. Mental Health America (MHA) of Wisconsin administers PSW and its public communications efforts, including a website and e-newsletter. The mission of PSW is to reduce the number of suicide attempts and deaths that take place in the state each year.

PSW supports suicide prevention in Wisconsin through:

• Support of local suicide prevention coalitions.
• Organization of the annual Prevent Suicide Wisconsin educational conference.
• Communication through the Prevent Suicide Wisconsin e-news and website.
• Opportunities for funding through grants, mini-grants, or special projects.
• Training in Zero Suicide for health and behavioral health care organizations.
• Technical assistance and training.

The Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Steering Committee includes state agencies, local coalition leaders, and local health departments, as well as people with lived experience of suicide. The steering committee meets quarterly and provides oversight to Wisconsin’s suicide prevention efforts, including programs supported by both state and federal grants. Members of the steering committee also made important contributions to the development of the Wisconsin Suicide Prevention Plan. Their efforts and insights were essential to this process and are very much appreciated. In addition, the steering committee serves as the Priority Action Team for the suicide priority of Healthy Wisconsin, the State Health Assessment and Health Improvement Plan.