September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The Northwoods COPE Coalition is working with local businesses and schools in Forest, Oneida and Vilas Counties to connect people who may have thoughts, or know someone who has thoughts, of suicide and offer resources for help. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress, including:

988 and chat 988lifeline.org can also be used by loved ones who may be worried about an individual who may need crisis support.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

The Northwood’s Community, Outreach, Prevention and Education Coalition (COPE) addresses mental health and substance use concerns in Forest, Oneida and Vilas Counties. The group is comprised of community partners including school districts, healthcare, private mental health providers, veteran’s services, local health departments and UW-Extensions.

For more information on mental health and suicide prevention activities happening in your area, please contact Heidi Pritzl, Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health, at 715-477-3062, or Julie Christensen, Vilas County Public Health Department, at 715-479-3659.