Prevent Suicide Sauk County 2026cSauk County 20276 SCIP Grant Award Documents 3-31-2026

Grant funds will support Prevent Suicide Sauk County in advancing a coordinated, community-based suicide prevention strategy. It will focus on early identification, timely intervention, and reduction of suicide risk—particularly among rural males and Ho-Chunk Nation tribal members, who experience disproportionately high suicide rates locally and statewide. Funds will expand promotion of CredibleMind, the county’s mental wellness website, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through targeted online and print outreach, increasing awareness of confidential, immediate support regardless of location. Funding will also support mental wellness materials, and de-escalation and crisis intervention training for law enforcement staff, strengthening their role as frontline gatekeepers in rural settings. Finally, funds will support development of an online suicide prevention training for firearm retailers and instructors, co-developed with a trusted local firearms expert to ensure culturally relevant messaging, improve recognition of warning signs, and promote safe firearm practices that reduce access to lethal means during periods of crisis.