Who We Are

About Us

The Center for Suicide Awareness brings help, hope, and resources to families and individuals in our communities through programs that reach others where they are at and when they need it most. Of the many Center programs and initiatives, bringing HOPELINE™ to all of Wisconsin, has given individuals across our state free emotional support anytime, from anywhere by simply texting: HOPELINE™ to 741741.

In addition to HOPELINE™, the Center is proactive in the fight against Veteran Suicides. Every day approximately 22 Veterans die by Suicide in the US. Veterans and service men and women deserve our help and support. As a result, the Center began the “I Challenge You to 22” program with all efforts focused on getting a Challenge Coin in the hands of a Veteran that is struggling. The Center produced a Challenge Coin reflecting messages of hope, support, and encouragement to share their struggle. The Challenge Coin also has the number for HOPELINE™. Today, Police Departments across the Wisconsin and beyond are equipping their Officers with Challenge Coins to share with any Veteran that is struggling.

Our Impact

People’s reasons for thinking about Suicide are diverse and complex as each individual is not the same.

We have trained thousands of people in skills that can save a person’s lives.
We have created over 7 Walk for Suicide Awareness across Wisconsin.
We have helped over 125 organizations bring Suicide Prevention training into their workplace.
We created an award-winning documentary called If You Only Knew What You Left Behind which won a Telly award.
We created an emotional support text line, HOPELINE™, which has helped thousands and has saved over 130 lives.
We launched Dar June (Sober-Living Facility) in 2016.
We mentored 3 local non-profits to create their own mission.
We have partnered with the video game industry and have helped thousands on our video game platforms.
We have trained numerous first responders in prevention and intervention techniques.
We are certified by the FBI Academy as Master Resilience Trainers.

Why Suicide Matters

Suicide is one of the most significant public health issues facing the world today. It has existed throughout history, across all cultures and time periods.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from Suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds.

On average, a workplace Suicide has a financial impact of over $1,100,000.

At any given time, 1 in 25 people is thinking about Suicide to some degree.