September is Suicide Prevention Month

The Lincoln County Health Department is recognizing Suicide Prevention Month by distributing free gun locks and promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The efforts are supported by the Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition and Aspirus Health.
Free gun locks will be available during September at the Health Department, T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill, and Tomahawk Public Library, while supplies last. From 2017 to 2024, 65% of suicide deaths in Lincoln County involved a firearm, and 84% of deaths by suicide were males, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched three years ago, provides free, confidential support for anyone in crisis. Trained counselors are available 24/7 by call, text, or chat. More information is at https://988lifeline.org.
The Health Department also offers materials on suicide prevention and mental health resources, including the Lincoln County Mental Health & Substance Use Resource Guide and the Lincoln County Grief & Recovery Support Guide. Resources can be found at https://bit.ly/HealthyMindsLincolnCounty.
For more information, contact Kristin Bath, public health educator, at 715.539.1373 or Kristin.Bath@co.lincoln.wi.us.