Creating a Jackson County that Supports Mental Health

Preventing youth suicide in Jackson County by building community capacity to support mental health

Full Project Name:Creating a Jackson County that Supports Mental HealthPrimary Community Organization:Together for Jackson County KidsPrimary Academic Partner:Stephen Hargarten, MD, Emergency Medicine; Sara Kohlbeck, MPH, Emergency MedicineAward Amount:$374,504

Award Date

July2015

Project Duration:42 months

Project Description Narrative:

In 2009, data indicated that the suicide rate in Jackson County was four times higher than neighboring counties and the rest of the state. By aligning schools, government and community agencies, this project seeks to support primary prevention of suicide in Jackson County youth by increasing community capacity for long-term mental health resiliency within the context of a primarily rural community.

Community partners: Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River School District, Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County, Ho-Chunk Nation, Jackson County Health Department, Jackson County UW-Extension Office, Krohn Clinic, Lincoln School District, Jackson County Collaborative Justice Coordinating Council (JCC2), Melrose-Mindoro School District, Northwest Connections

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Formed partnership council
Created and shared a referral tool for use within specific agencies
Offered Taking Care of You (TCY) stress-reduction education sessions for adults and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)/Mindful Facilitator trainings, mobilizing trained facilitators in Jackson County
Partnered with two school districts to guide implementation of referral pathway changes, bringing community and school resources together
Launched Strong Minds, Strong Community Facebook page to engage and communicate with local residents