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 September 13, 2019
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Suicide Prevention Week

This week marks National Suicide Prevention Week. According to the Department of Health Services, the suicide rate in Wisconsin has increased 40 percent from 2000 to 2017, and was the second leading cause of death among adolescents in 2017. 

To turn around this troubling trend, the legislature has been working on various initiatives aimed at mental health and suicide prevention.

In addition to the vote I took on the Joint Committee on Finance last week providing $200,000 to provide mental health assistance to farmers and farm families, the Speaker's Task Force on Suicide Prevention held its final public hearing earlier this week in Madison.

This task force has been working with experts, advocates and stakeholders to evaluate current resources dedicated to suicide prevention and find ways to better allocate these resources and also examine how to better assist at-risk individuals such as farmers and youth. The task force recommendations are expected in the coming weeks.

This week, we hope to raise awareness of this serious issue by educating people on warning signs and available help. If you're in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

As always, I encourage you to follow my updates on social media or contact my office directly with your questions.  Best wishes on your weekend!

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Never Forget September 11, 2001

For the last 18 years, September 11th has been a solemn day in America. We hold moments of silence, memorial ceremonies and lower our flags to half-staff to commemorate the anniversary of this tragedy.  As we remember the victims, heroes, and communities that were impacted on that day, we must remain strong in our support of the freedoms that we are honored to have in America. 


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Start of Bow Season

September 14th marks the beginning of the archery and crossbow deer season here in Wisconsin. This is a good time to remember that all hunters can help reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

 CWD is a contagious fatal disease among deer, elk and moose, and the Department of Natural Resources would like to encourage hunters who harvest deer to consider having those animals tested for CWD.

In addition to testing, the DNR also has a set of recommendations for reducing the spread of CWD.

For more information regarding where to take your deer for sampling, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "CWD sampling" or contact local DNR wildlife management staff.


Office of Rep. Terry Katsma
State Capitol, Room 306 East
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708

Toll-Free (888) 529-0026 or (608) 266-0656
Rep.Katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov |