Suicide Prevention | Safe Communities Madison WI

don’t ignore the signs, get help

In Dane County we lose 50-60 people each year to suicide; 500 are hospitalized or admitted to emergency departments due to injuries sustained during suicide attempts. Suicide is the number one cause of violent death: 74% of violent deaths are suicides.

The good news: research tells us that 90% of people who die from suicide have a treatable mental illness or a substance abuse disorder. We know that suicide is often preventable with education, treatment and support. Because suicide is such a complex public health problem the Surgeon General recommends that we engage in prevention strategies community by community to be effective.

SUICIDE CRISIS LINE

Dane County Suicide Crisis Line: (608) 280-2600

National Suicide Prevention Line:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
For Veterans Press 1, En Español Oprima El 2

Safe Communities is not a counseling or crisis center and does not provide direct services. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

our programs

We are currently focusing on three major program initiatives:

ZERO SUICIDE INITIATIVE

A Collaborative Safety Plan (formulated by the patient and provider) is completed with every patient experiencing suicidality.
This Safety Plan discussion must include “means reduction” (how to eliminate access to guns and other methods of suicide).

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QPR TRAINING

Safe Communities offers a free QPR (Question Persuade Refer) training where participants learn the warning signs for suicide, how to offer hope, and how to seek help to save a life.

QPR is CPR for Suicide Prevention.

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GUN SHOP PROJECT

Over the next few months we will be producing and distributing materials and training to area gun shops on suicide prevention. As mentioned during the conference, our coordinator, Jean Papalia, has already reached out to gun shop owners and plans are in the works.

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