Free Suicide Prevention Training Offered Across Central Wisconsin

Sessions aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide tools to prevent suicide in rural communities.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Free suicide prevention training sessions are being offered across Central Wisconsin from March 23-27 to support farmers, first responders, military personnel, and veterans. The in-person sessions will cover topics like recognizing warning signs, talking with someone in crisis, and accessing lethal means. The training is open to healthcare providers, veteran organizations, first responders, educators, and community members.

Why it matters

Suicide rates have been rising in rural communities, and this training aims to equip people with the knowledge and skills to intervene and save lives. The sessions focus on high-risk groups like farmers, first responders, and veterans who face unique challenges and barriers to accessing mental health support.

The details

The training courses are provided by Tara Haskins, Ph.D., and Linda Emanuel of AgriSafe Network's Total Farmer Health, with support from Marshfield Clinic. Three evidence-based programs will be offered: QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer), CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means), and CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means). The sessions will be held at various locations across central Wisconsin, including Marshfield Medical Center sites, Auburndale Elementary School, Rembs Celebration Center, and the Wausau Elks Lodge.

  • The training sessions will be held from March 23-27, 2026.
  • Registration is open now and can be done by emailing vetcoor@marshfieldclinic.org or calling 715-532-2329.

The players

Tara Haskins

Ph.D. and provider of the suicide prevention training courses.

Linda Emanuel

Provider of the suicide prevention training courses through AgriSafe Network's Total Farmer Health.

Marshfield Clinic

Providing support for the suicide prevention training sessions.

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What’s next

Registration for the free training sessions is open now, and interested participants can sign up by emailing vetcoor@marshfieldclinic.org or calling 715-532-2329.

The takeaway

This training program is a vital community resource to help address the rising suicide rates in rural areas and equip people with the tools to recognize warning signs, intervene, and connect those in crisis to professional help. By making this training widely available, central Wisconsin is taking an important step to support the mental health and wellbeing of farmers, first responders, veterans, and all community members.