Suicide Statistics

Submissions of Hope

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La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative

Background  (2002  Wisconsin Suicide Prevention Strategy:  Executive Summary)

Almost 600 people die by suicide each year in Wisconsin. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Wisconsin young people and the tenth leading cause of death for all ages. Our state suicide rate is more than three times greater than the state homicide rate and nearly eight times greater than the number of deaths related to HIV. 

The Wisconsin Strategy calls upon people in local communities all over the state to take action to prevent suicide. Effective suicide prevention efforts have to take place at the local level, where local needs and resources are best understood.

Local Initiative

During the summer of 2004 a group of providers, consumers, and community members formed the La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative.  The group is currently working on increasing public awareness that suicide is a problem in our area, and that it is preventable.

La Crosse County Medical Examiner reports indicate that 14 suicides (13 confirmed, 1 suspected) occurred in La Crosse County in 2004.  As of July, 2005 another 4 suicides have occurred in the county.  11 of these 17 suicides have been committed by males.  The task force is currently working with local television and radio to modify public service announcements encouraging men to have the courage to ask for help when depressed.  The intention is to air these ads beginning on September 10^th (World Suicide Prevention Day).

If you would like more information on this effort, or are interested in becoming involved please contact: