Resolution to Amend the 2026 Budget and Accept Funding from the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice for the State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Suicide Prevention Initiatives – 2023 (2026) Grant.

BACKGROUND: Mental health has emerged as a critical concern in Sauk County. According to the 2024 Sauk County Community Health Assessment Survey, 60% of respondents identified mental health as a top community problem, ranking it as the second most pressing issue. Sauk County has 129 mental health provides. This means that there are 510 people per 1 mental health provider – significantly more than the states average of 350:1.

In 2022, there were over 450 non-fatal emergency department visits with suspected self-harm injury among our targeted population: rural men in Wisconsin age 25 and older. This number is likely an undercount, due to issues of stigma and health care affordability and access issues, resulting in untreated injuries.

Additionally, according to County Health Rankings, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in the past 30 days in Sauk County increased from 4.4 in 2022 to 4.8 in 2024, matching the Wisconsin average but signaling a worsening trend locally. Furthermore, 15% of adults in Sauk County reported experiencing 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month, slightly above the state average of 14% and up from 14% in previous years.

These data points demonstrate that mental health challenges in Sauk County are significant, growing, and impacting our diverse populations. Public Health Sauk County will use the grant funds to implement a multi-layered, practical, and community-driven approach to suicide prevention that builds established relationships, trusted local messengers, and existing countywide strategies. The proposed project will help address these issues and improve overall community well-being by expanding awareness of and access to mental health resources, reducing stigma, and training gatekeepers, laypersons, and law enforcement professionals on suicide prevention strategies.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors to amend the 2026 Public Health budget for $100,000.00 for contracted services, training, and marketing expenses for the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice State Crisis Intervention Program Suicide Prevention Initiative.