Dane County Board of Supervisors Recognizes National Suicide Prevention Month
September 18, 2025
Dylan Moffitt, Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator, (608) 228-9053
County Board
2025 theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”
DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, the Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month throughout Dane County, raising awareness of the growing public health crisis of deaths by suicide in the United States. The board passed 2025 RES-155 to mark this observance.
Data from the U.S. National Institutes of Health show that deaths by suicide are increasing in Wisconsin and Dane County, with an average of 73 lives claimed by suicide each year in the county.
“This is a deeply personal issue for me," said County Board Chair Patrick Miles. "Like so many others, I have a loved one who has struggled. I never want anyone to feel alone or without somewhere to turn in a time of crisis. It's on all of us to break the stigma, raise awareness, and expand access to the life-saving care and support people deserve.”
This year’s observance theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” is a focus on transforming silence, stigma, and misunderstanding into openness, empathy, and support. Local organizations, including the Suicide Prevention and Harm Reduction Coalition of Dane County (SPHRC), are working to reduce preventable injuries and deaths by suicide through efforts such as the Zero Suicide Initiative, promoting the 988 Lifeline, expanding access to suicide prevention training, and encouraging community conversations.
“As community leaders, we have a responsibility not only improve access to and awareness of preventive resources and mental health treatment but also to cultivate a culture of empathy, support, and action for those affected by suicide in Dane County,” said Supervisor Analiese Eicher (Dist. 3). “By speaking openly about suicide and mental health, we remind one another that no one has to struggle alone. Compassionate and honest dialogue can be the first step toward help and healing.”
The board also welcomed members of the SPHRC to speak in support of the resolution. “As Co-Chair of the Suicide Prevention & Harm Reduction Coalition led by Safe Communities, and as the Senior Director for Behavior Health for UW Health & Meriter, I see every day the value of providing much-needed resources and programs in our community that will increase protective factors and reduce lethal means,” said Brad McKinney. “SPHRC is a group of people collaborating to do this through increased education and outreach and by providing trainings and harm reduction resources to our community.”
“The value of coalition work, like the Suicide Prevention & Harm Reduction Coalition, is that we use the strengths of our partnerships and lived experience to meet people where they are on their journey,” said Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore, community engagement manager for UnityPoint Health-Meriter and board president of Safe Communities. “We use data driven strategies to inform our work and programming.”
The Dane County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to reinforcing suicide prevention efforts by supporting community partners such as the Suicide Prevention and Harm Reduction Coalition of Dane County, championing evidence-based policies, promoting access to life-saving resources and training, and encouraging open conversations to support all residents.
If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 9-8-8 or chat online at https://988lifeline.org. Dane County residents and visitors can also connect with a mental health professional and trained volunteers by dialing (608) 280-2600. Operators at the 988 Lifeline and Dane County Crisis Line are available 24/7, 365 days a year. For more information and resources, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/crisis
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About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Made up of 37 supervisors elected from districts in the county, the mission of the Dane County Board of Supervisors is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the county board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.