Bill > AB490

This bill establishes a comprehensive statewide suicide prevention program to be implemented by the Department of Health Services (DHS), with a broad mandate to address suicide prevention through multiple strategies. The program will create public awareness about suicide prevention, build community networks, and conduct training for various professionals who interact with individuals at risk of suicide, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and school employees. Specifically, the bill requires DHS to coordinate prevention activities with other state agencies, provide public education, develop targeted media campaigns, enhance crisis services, link trained professionals with at-risk facilities, establish local advisory groups in each county, and work with advocacy groups to identify and address barriers to suicide prevention for vulnerable populations such as elderly persons, Native Americans, youth, and rural residents. The bill authorizes two new full-time positions at DHS to support the program, including a dedicated director, and provides $250,000 in funding for each of the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. Additionally, the program will be required to develop a website with resources, review suicide-related research, seek federal and non-governmental funding, administer prevention grants, and submit annual reports to legislative committees describing the state's suicide prevention activities.

Health and Social Services

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab490