September is National Suicide Prevention Month, but suicide prevention is a year-round commitment. This can be especially true for people who live in the Northwoods and other rural areas where the suicide rate is higher than the state and national average.

According to data from the Wisconsin Suicide Prevention Plan, from 2014-2023, the state’s suicide rates increased by about 15%. In 2023, suicide was the eighth leading cause of death for all Wisconsin residents and the second leading cause of death for youth 5-25 years old.

The plan states that suicide rates vary across the state by geographic location.

Data from the plan shows that in 2023, suicide rates were significantly higher for residents living in rural counties like Vilas, Oneida and Forest — 17 per 100,000 — compared to 14.2 per 100,000 for Wisconsin residents living in urban counties.

Vilas County’s most recent Community Health Assessment for 2023-2028 indicates that Vilas County has the second-highest rate of suicide in the state, at 26.1 per 100,000 people.

It also has a higher drug overdose mortality (25.67) than that of the state of Wisconsin (21.7) and Oneida County (9.57). Forest County’s drug overdose mortality is at 40.01 per 100,000.

In 2023, Wisconsin males died by suicide at a disproportionately higher rate, 23.7 per 100,000, compared to females at 6.4 per 100,000. Males account for almost 80% of all Wisconsin suicides.

Of those who died by suicide, men were approximately twice as likely as women to use firearms. In addition to increased access to lethal means, stigma around asking for help, and insufficient social support may impact male suicide rates.

In rural areas, residents may be more likely to face stressors like social isolation, economic hardship, stigma, and barriers to care, including lack of broadband internet which makes it harder to access
telehealth services, the prevention plan says.

Making help available

During Suicide Prevention Month, Aspirus Health is encouraging people to start conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Behavioral health leaders say those conversations can help people feel supported and remind them that help is available.

This year’s prevention theme, “Start a Conversation. Be the Difference,” reflects a simple truth — reaching out matters. A text message, a phone call, or a quick check-in can help someone feel less alone and open the door to support.

“The relationships we have in our lives are some of the most important things,” said Jessica Schiek, Behavioral Health Service Line administrator at Aspirus. “The way that we talk to each other really matters.”
That focus on connection extends beyond Suicide Prevention Month. Schiek said suicide prevention is a year-round commitment across Aspirus, where teams work every day to support patients, employees, and communities.

Part of that work is led by the Aspirus Suicide Prevention Committee. The multidisciplinary group helps guide suicide prevention efforts across the health system. Through education and awareness efforts, the committee helps people understand available resources and where to turn for support.

Knowing where to start can be difficult. Many people want to help but worry about saying the wrong thing.
According to Heidi Pritzl, Suicide Prevention coordinator for the Aspirus System, that concern should not stop someone from reaching out.

Aspirus encourages people to talk openly when they are concerned about someone. Asking a person whether they are thinking about suicide will not give them the idea and can be an important first step in connecting them with support.

“Sometimes we tend to want to fix situations, but just sitting with someone so they’re not alone is so powerful,” Pritzl said. “Showing up and being present can be very impactful during a stressful time.”

Pritzl said the words people choose can shape how comfortable someone feels opening up. Small changes in language can make conversations feel more supportive and less judgmental. For example, using phrases such as “died by suicide” rather than “committed suicide” helps focus on the person rather than defining them by an experience or diagnosis.

The message both leaders hope people remember is simple: you do not need to have the perfect words. If you are concerned about someone, trust your instincts and reach out. A caring conversation can be the first step toward hope and support.

To learn more about suicide prevention and resources available for yourself or someone you care about, visit aspirus.org/suicide-prevention.

Anyone who is contemplating suicide or knows someone who is in need of help can call the 988 Suicide Hotline which provides free support 24 hours a day by call, text or chat. Vilas County Public Health Department can also be reached at 715-479-3656 for information on available resources. In case of an emergency, call 911.