Madison… Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan), Chair of the Speaker’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention and Representative Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska), task force vice-chair, released the interim report of the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention today at a press conference.
“In 2017, 918 individuals died by suicide in Wisconsin. Nearly 5,000 others made a suicide attempt. It’s clear we must do more,” said Rep. Ballweg. “The charge of this task force was to evaluate the current resources for suicide prevention in our state and identify opportunities to target and assist at-risk individuals in a bipartisan fashion. Our finalized interim report and the 10 proposals included embody that effort.”
“It was an honor to serve as vice-chair of the Speaker’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention,” said Rep. Doyle. “I’m proud of our accomplishments, and I’m excited to continue the work. We have a long way to go to end this epidemic, but this report, these recommendations and these policy proposals are a great start.”
These recommendations are the culmination of 6 public hearings that have been held around the state since April.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to my colleagues who served with me on this task force,” stated Ballweg. “Not just for their attendance, but the heartfelt passion to address the rising rate of suicide in Wisconsin and support efforts moving forward to champion these proposals through the legislature and to Governor Evers’ desk.”
If you or someone you care about needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Wisconsin HOPELINE at 741741.
