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Strengthening Fox Cities: A Data-Driven Approach to Sustainable and Equitable Suicide Prevention

Building sustainable suicide prevention infrastructure in the Fox Cities with local data and equitable outcomes

Full Project Name:Strengthening Fox Cities: A Data-Driven Approach to Sustainable and Equitable Suicide PreventionPrimary Community Organization:NEW Mental Health ConnectionPrimary Academic Partner:Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral MedicineAward Amount:$249,455
Award Date
July2024
Project Duration:24 months

Project Summary:


Addressing the rising rates of suicide and mental health challenges in Wisconsin is critical, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This project aims to enhance mental health and suicide prevention efforts in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties. Through initiatives such as expanding the adult suicide death review across these counties, adapting the Fox Cities Mind Your Wellness Survey to better capture data on mental health disparities among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ communities, and establishing a community-led suicide prevention action team, the project seeks to build a sustainable infrastructure for coordinated, data-driven strategies.

By focusing on health equity and involving local communities in the implementation of tailored mental health interventions, project partners seek to reduce suicide rates and improve mental health outcomes in Wisconsin.

Community partners: People of Progression, Northeast Wisconsin Hmong Professionals, Diverse & Resilient, Multicultural Coalition, Calumet County Public Health Department, Outagamie County Public Health Department, Winnebago County Public Health Department, Calumet County Coroner/Medical Examiner, Outagamie County Coroner/Medical Examiner, Winnebago County Coroner/Medical Examiner

Project Updates:


  • Expanded the Adult Suicide Death Review (ASDR) across Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties utilizing community-specific iterations and supports
  • Published Tri-County (Project Zero) Suicide Death Review Team Report summarizing local data, the review process itself, key recommendations, and opportunities for community involvement
  • Developed, released, and collected data on the Mind Your Wellness Survey and incorporated findings into the first ever Tri-County Community Health Assessment to demonstrate the value of local mental health data in planning and community decision-making
  • Held a community report-out at the N.E.W. Mental Health Connection member meeting in November 2025 to present project findings to support broader community access to information


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