Kenosha County is joining communities nationwide to raise awareness of suicide prevention and
to promote the message that help is available, recovery is possible, and together we’re better,
County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.
Suicide can affect individuals and families from every background, Kerkman noted. By talking
openly about mental health, recognizing warning signs, reducing stigma, and encouraging people
to seek help, communities can play an important role in preventing suicide.
To that end, Kenosha County Behavioral Health Services will host two sessions of “Know the
Signs, Ask the Questions,” a one-hour community training on suicide screening. These events
will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Kenosha County Center at highways 45 and 50 in Bristol,
and at 6 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Pleasant Prairie Police Department, 10111 39th Ave.
“Join me so we can take the time together to learn the warning signs, understand how to offer
support, and become familiar with the resources available in our community,” Kerkman said.
“By educating ourselves and looking out for one another, we can help create a community where
people feel seen, supported, and comfortable asking for help.”
Kenosha County has seen a recent increase in persons who have died by suicide. This training is
designed to help participants recognize warning signs of suicide risk and feel more confident
asking direct, compassionate questions when someone may be struggling. During this training,
participants will learn how to:
• Recognize common warning signs and risk factors.
• Use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSR-S).
• Connect individuals with appropriate support and resources.
• Build confidence when having conversations that can make a difference.
• Learn about harm reduction tools such as gun locks, medication lock boxes, and
deactivation kits.Suicide Prevention Flyer.pdf