Marathon County Health Department. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A troubling trend regarding suicides in Marathon County had health officials forming a review board to investigate the cases.
The Medical Examiner’s Office and County Health Department say the Suicide Death Review Team will investigate each case to see if there were missed signs or opportunities to intervene. Jessa Bokhoven with the Health Department says the team will be made up of groups or people who may have had contact with the individuals including law enforcement, medical staff, or mental health providers. “We will review and form recommendations for preventative initiatives based on the circumstances surrounding each death.”
Bokhoven says she hopes those discussions can lead to better methods for suicide prevention. She says there are also things that friends and loved ones can do to help prevent the deaths before they happen such as talking with those who may be struggling, asking the tough questions, and helping them reach out for help.
“Just talk to them, ask them if they are thinking about killing [themselves]. Then reach out to 988 or the crisis line,” she said. ” Make sure you don’t leave them alone and don’t promise to not tell anyone. Get them the help that they need- talk to a therapist, talk to other family members; just get them the help that they need.”
According to the Medical Examiner, there have already been 16 confirmed deaths by suicide in Marathon County this year. Last year there were a total of 21.
Those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide are encouraged to reach out to a loved one or the National Suicide Prevention hotline by dialing 988 from any cell phone or landline. Other local resources can be found here.
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