Cost: $55, includes full conference, refreshments, lunch, materials and continuing education hours

Download Brochure

Suicide Prevention Summit Goal 
To increase our understanding of suicide, its prevalence, and the risk factor for specific populations, and acquire tools for prevention, assessment and intervention. Everyone can assist individuals at risk for suicide, including nurses, paramedics, medical assistants, social workers and counselors, teachers and guidance counselors, clergy and pastoral care, law enforcement officials, youth leaders, student services staff, family survivors and community members.

The Suicide Prevention Summit features the following keynote speakers:

Workshop topics include:
  • The problems of suicide in the elderly population
  • Faith perspectives on suicide
  • Depression and college student: a wellness approach
  • Support systems at risk
  • Returning veterans and their families
  • Family and sibling survivor panels
  • Community crisis responders and resources
  • Risk as healthcare providers
  • Caring for those who help
  • AODA and suicide

The QPR prevention tools will be taught throughout the Summit*.
• Question • Persuade • Refer 
*Special Notice: QPR Gatekeeper Training will be offered twice during the Summit by Christine Severson, Certified Instructor. Those who desire a certificate of completion for the QPR Gatekeeper program must complete an online assessment after the conference. A small charge is required.

6 p.m. Awareness Event at Riverside Park (featuring music and speakers)
Printable Awareness Event Flyer (1 page PDF)

For more information and to register: Karen Langaard, 608.785.6508 or langaard.kare@uwlax.edu

Mental Health America logo.Funding for this conference was made possible in part by cooperative agreement SM57386 from SAMHSA provided through Mental Health America of Wisconsin. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices or organizations imply endorsement by the U. S. Government.

Thank you to our contributing sponsors and donors:

  • Franciscan Skemp Healthcare
  • Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
  • Joe Was Just Joe Foundation
  • UW-La Crosse Foundation
  • La Crosse County Human Services
  • Mental Health America

To donate to the summit, please contact Dave Clements at 608.782.2367

About the La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative

In 2004, a group of providers, consumers, and community members formed the La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative. The group’s central message is that suicide is a problem in our area and that it is preventable. 

The Initiative meets monthly to discuss community needs, share information, and plan awareness events, including the annual Suicide Awareness Walk in September. Everyone is welcome, including survivors of family members, counselors and therapists, health care providers, educators, and others who want to make a difference in our community.  www.lacrossesuicideprevention.org

If you would like more information, or are interested in becoming involved contact:
Steve Johnson, Crisis Therapist, La Crosse County DHS, 608.785.6117 or johnson.steve@co.la-crosse.wi.us   

UW-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension provides professional development opportunities and program services to western Wisconsin.

Suicide in Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin experiences an average of 650 deaths by suicide per year.
  • Suicide deaths account for 20,000 years of potential life lost per year (YPLL), slightly less than the YPLL from motor vehicle crashes and is more than twice years lost from homicides.
  • More than 9,000 people are treated in hospitals or emergency departments each year for self-inflicted injuries at a total cost of more than $64 million/year.
  • The greatest number of suicide deaths was among 35-54 year old males. Men account for about 80% of all suicide deaths in Wisconsin, although women are twice as likely to make attempts. Youth age 15-24 had the highest rates of inpatient hospital and emergency department visits for self-inflicted injuries.
  • Veterans account for 20% of all completed suicides. For persons age 55 and older, veterans account for almost half of completed suicides.
  • 2/3 of those who died by suicide had a current depressed mood; 1/3 of individuals who died by suicide were noted as having an alcohol problem.
  • Firearms were the most frequently used to complete suicide, accounting for almost half of all deaths.

For a copy of the report, go to: www.mhawisconsin.org/Content/suicide_prevention.asp

“I think people are surprised when they learn there are three times as many suicides as there are homicides in Wisconsin. Suicide is a silent killer. It most often occurs behind closed doors with no one else around, but it results in a huge societal burden, including the medical costs for those who attempt suicide and require care. Perhaps the highest cost, though is the mothers, fathers and children that are lost,” Shel Gross, Mental Health America of Wisconsin.