Richland Center, WI – The Richland Hospital and Clinics (TRHC) will be hosting safeTALK, a suicide prevention workshop on Tuesday, May 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendees will learn how to recognize the warning signs of someone contemplating suicide and strategies to intervene. This free workshop is being offered in partnership with Farm Well Wisconsin, a program of the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (Southwest CAP).

Suicide rates increased statewide by 38% from 2000 to 2021, and the rates are even higher in rural areas. Many experts attribute the higher rates in rural areas to the challenges of farming and the discomfort many feel when talking about mental health. Shawn Monson, one of the facilitators of safeTALK and the Program Coordinator for Farm Well Wisconsin, says the workshop offers strategies that address those issues head-on: “Participants will learn to recognize the “invitations” of someone who may be thinking about suicide and learn how to ask the question that can open a door to getting someone help.”

Along with Monson, safeTALK will be facilitated by Kim Mindham, a Certified Grief Support Specialist. “One of the great things about the training,” Monson says, “is that both professional providers and non-professionals are encouraged to attend. Any of us may find ourselves in the position to help someone in need.” The workshops will offer resources for those with suicidal thoughts, including the Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline and 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Jacqueline Zoubek, a TRHC employee and member of the organization’s suicide prevention task force, says previous workshops have helped many participants. “We’ve received very positive feedback from several past [safeTALK] participants whose training allowed them to respond openly to a loved one in crisis and help them get to a health care professional safely,” Zoubek said.

A free meal will be provided for all attendees. Those interested can call Monson at 608-553-0095 or register online at https://swcap.org/event/safetalk-sponsored-and-hosted-by-the-richland-hospital-2/. The organizers remind anyone struggling with their mental health to dial 988 for immediate help or call the Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558 if it applies to you.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics is a nationally awarded health care facility dedicated to caring, educating, and healing. Providing compassionate care for nearly 100 years to residents of the greater Richland County area, TRHC operates an independent, integrated group medical practice in three locations, including rural health clinics in Spring Green and Muscoda and a critical access hospital at its primary location in Richland Center, WI.