In Wisconsin last year there were 905 suicides, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. With September designated as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we all should take a moment to talk about and learn more about this important topic. One of the main goals of this month is to reduce the stigma associated with discussing mental health problems, and the other is to encourage people who require help and treatment to get it.

This is why providing access to necessary resources and appropriate treatment has been a priority for our legislature. The budget that was recently signed improves accessibility for mental and behavioral health. This includes additional funding for school mental health initiatives, funding to help those struggling with substance use disorders, a pilot program to help with mental crisis situations, and more resources to help veterans connect with local resources.

Also, for a variety of reasons, older persons are also vulnerable. Last year, I supported a package of bills to improve access to mental health care for seniors and another to increase Alzheimer's and dementia services in Wisconsin communities. In addition, we have been working this session to ensure that our state licensing regulations are updated to assist psychiatrists and mental health professionals in removing the artificial delays that professionals face in getting them to practice in our state and encouraging them to work in rural regions.

It's also crucial to acknowledge and provide support to our farmers, who not only take care of our land but also face higher suicide rates than the general population. To address this, I voted to renew the Farmer Wellness program in the budget, offering personalized support 24/7 to farmers. The program includes tele-counseling and vouchers to ensure farmers and their families can easily access assistance. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 to connect with these vital services.

If you don’t feel personally comfortable talking to someone you know about a situation you are going through, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the crisis text line at 741741, both of which are confidential, free and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is at risk for serious harm, call 911 right away or visit the nearest emergency room.