Yesterday, Representative Steve Doyle (D – Onalaska) and Senator Brad Pfaff (D – Onalaska)
reintroduced legislation to create a Wisconsin suicide prevention program which would include administering grants, building community networks, conducting suicide prevention trainings, and more. The bill specifically authorizes the creation of two FTE positions within the Department of Health Services, where the suicide prevention program will reside. The legislators released the following statements:
Representative Doyle: “Suicide is a heartbreaking hardship that has impacted too many of our friends, neighbors, and community members. I’m proud to reintroduce this proposal to ensure Wisconsin has the resources it needs to address this issue.”
Senator Pfaff: “We must do better as a state in supporting our loved ones and neighbors who are contemplating suicide. It’s devastating that suicide rates have steadily climbed in Wisconsin over the last decade. Inaction is unacceptable.” Copies of the proposed legislation and co-sponsorship memo are included in the original email.
