SUICIDE PREVENTION SUMMIT

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Increase your understanding of suicide, its prevalence, and the risk factors for specific populations, and acquire tools for prevention, assessment, and intervention. The event will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and lunch.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS EVENT

Thursday, September 18, 2025 (6:00 - 7:30 pm)

We welcome family and friends impacted by suicide loss, as well as any community members, to join us for a night of raising awareness of suicide and its prevalence in our community and remembering those we’ve lost.

The Nature Place in Myrick Park, La Crosse

DANCE FOR HOPE

Saturday, April 27, 2024 (12:00-4:30pm)

We invite all members of our community to attend this FREE event and help us promote suicide prevention, education and hope in our community. It is designed to bring people and resources together in a fun and entertaining environment.

The day will include performances from local dance groups, local dance instructors teaching several fun and easy dances for everyone to get up and participate in, a raffle with exciting door prizes, and information booths from local resources.

Donations will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will go directly to the La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative to strengthen our efforts to reach members of our community as we educate, offer hope and strive to save lives!

UW-L Student Union, La Crosse, WI

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH ART CONTEST

Submissions open May 1st-15th.

We invite you to participate in our first ever Mental Health Awareness Month Art Contest! All are encouraged to get creative and reflect on the topic of mental health -- whether your personal mental health journey or mental health as a whole. You can submit any form of art that is able to be uploaded to the submission form and is related to mental health, wellness, or recovery. Ex: upload a picture of a painting, drawing, or sculpture; upload a video of you singing or dancing; upload a document with a poem or song lyrics; etc. All entries will be placed into a drawing for prizes. Three random winners will be drawn and will receive a La Crosse Suicide Prevention Initiative sweatshirt in the size of their choosing and a $25 gift card to a store of their choosing. In addition, all entries that provide permission will be highlighted on our website and Facebook. Thank you for sharing your art!

Art showcased virtually May 15th-31st.

Winners notified May 31st.

COMMUNITY PAINT PARTY

Saturday, October 26th, 2024 (11:00am-1:00pm)

Help us bring a mental health mural to our community. Supplies will be provided on site, and instruction will be provided by artist Kristy McCarthy. Open to all community members.

Family & Children’s Center (811 Monitor St, La Crosse)

NAMI WEST CENTRAL WI PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL MEETING: HANDLING THE STRESS OF HOLIDAYS

November 19th, 2024 (6:00pm)

Come and learn about managing stress during that magical time of the year - the holiday season. Presented by Tracy Caravella.

First Congressional Church 2505 Main St., La Crosse

INTERNATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY

November 23rd, 2024

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.

Options in Wausau, Madison, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and Virtual

NAMI HOMEFRONT

October-November 2024

NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session class for families, caregivers and friends of Military Service Members and Veterans. The course helps participants understand the challenges Military Service Members/Veterans are experiencing related to trauma, combat stress, civilian life, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Topics covered include mental health, communication, handling crises, treatment and recovery. The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain their own well-being.

Virtual and free of charge

DRIFTLESS REGIONAL READ

Ongoing through November 2024

The goal of the regional read is to bring the Driftless communities together through reading, interactive programs, book chats, lectures, and activities. We strive to foster an environment for discussion, growth, and collaboration. This year’s read is focused on mental health.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

THE WAR WITHIN US ALL - FREE ART SHOW AND FUNDRAISER

Thursday, December 14, 2023 (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

The Artsiders, a nonprofit group of local artists, is putting on an art show and fundraiser for mental health and wellness. There will be 15 local artists and live music entertainment. Free to the public. Must be 21 or older

The Main Event Space, 422 Main St, La Crosse

HEALING AFTER LOSS SUMMIT

Friday, May 10th, 2024

American Association of Suicidology’s Healing After Loss Summit for newer and further along suicide loss survivors is available to attend virtually.

WI WARRIOR SUMMIT

Monday, May 13th, 2024 (8:30am-4:00pm)

Suicide prevention conference tailored for mental health professionals, veteran-serving organizations, veterans, and community members.

UW-Green Bay

LA CROSSE COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH PROCLAMATION AND WALK

Thursday, May 23rd (12:00-3:00pm)

The 11th annual La Crosse County Mental Health Walk starts at the Health and Human Services Building with speakers and a raising of the NAMI flag before the walk downtown commences around 12:20pm. The walk will circle back to the Health and Human Services Building where refreshments will be served. Following the walk, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, there will be a mental health community resource fair at the Health and Human Services building.

La Crosse County Health and Human Services Building, 300 4th St N, La Crosse, WI

TWLOHA’S MOVE FOR IT 5K+

May 25th (Virtual)

Thousands of people globally will be moving with us on May 25th. We’d love for you to be a part of that community. When you buy your 5K+ pack, it’ll come with not only a T-shirt, medal, race bib, and woven bracelet but also with access to an Introductory Mental Health Toolkit to help build mental health resiliency as you prepare to move with us in May.

Cost: $35

THE MENTAL HEALTH COALITION OF THE GREATER LA CROSSE AREA’S 2024 SHINING STAR AWARDS AND AN EVENING OF HOPE THROUGH MUSIC

Friday, May 31 (Awards 5:45-6:30pm and Concert 7:00pm)

On May 31st, the Mental Health Coalition of the Greater La Crosse Area will present its 14th Annual Shining Star Event at Viterbo University. The Honorees will be Abigail Spanjers and the La Crosse County Mobile Crisis Team. The awards will be presented at 5:45 pm and conclude at 6:30 pm. This is a joyful continuation of our commitment to recognize a person or an organization which which represents models of recovery.

Following the awards presentation, at 7:00 pm in the Fine Arts Theater, will be “An Evening of Hope Through Music,” as performed by Sam Miltich. Sam’s music, a powerful testament to his journey with schizophrenia, can uplift and inspire. His advocacy for those struggling with mental illness continues our theme of highlighting people who give hope to others that they can lead productive lives. Both events are free of charge and may be attended as a whole or attended separately.

Viterbo Fine Arts Center 900 Viterbo Dr., La Crosse

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

Tuesday, June 11th (8:30-4:00pm)

FREE, in-person course for parents, caregivers, and anyone who supports youth to learn how to identify signs of mental health and substance use challenges among youth ages 12-18. Curriculum is from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and event is sponsored by Better Together in La Crosse County, Boys & Girls Clubs of La Crosse, School District of La Crosse, and La Crosse Area YMCA.

La Crosse, WI

*Registration required

QPR TRAINING

July 8th-11th (Select one 90 minute session)

You’re invited to take part in TWLOHA’s Virtual QPR Training! QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer—the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Cost: $20

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FOR ADULTS

July 29-30 (11:00-2:30pm)

Mental Health First Aid for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. Our TWLOHA-certified Mental Health First Aid trainers will teach this two-day virtual certification course. After the 90 minute pre-course prep and two 4-hour sessions, you’ll be certified in Mental Health First Aid for Adults.

Cost: $50

414 HOPE & HEAL

414 Hope - September 6th, 2024 (9:00am-3:00pm)

This event will provide education and information about evidence-based suicide prevention practices. All individuals interested in eliminating disparities in suicide are welcome to attend.

Free

414 Heal - September 9-11th, 2024 (9:00am-4:00pm daily)

This 3-day Masterclass in Meaning-Focused Grief Therapy is intended to give helping professionals of all disciplines the conceptual and practical tools to work alongside clients to find significance in the face of devastating bereavement, including sudden and traumatic loss as through suicide, homicide, and overdose.

Cost: $250

MINI DONUT HALF MARATHON

Saturday, September 14, 2023

The Mini Donut Foundation is putting this event on for its 9th year this year to raise awareness about suicide and promote prevention and education. The event includes a half marathon, 5K honor walk/run, and kids fun run.

Along the Great River State Trail

QPR TRAINING

Tuesday, September 17th (5:30pm)

Learn QPR Institute’s three simple steps (Question, Persuade, Refer) anyone can use to help save a life from suicide. Brought to you by Monroe County Suicide Prevention Task Force and Monroe County Mental Health Coalition.

Monroe County Board Assembly Room, 124 N Court St., Sparta, WI

COLOR FOR KINDNESS 5K WALK/RUN

Saturday, September 21, 2023 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm)

Kevin’s Legacy Foundation is hosting this suicide awareness and memorial event for its 8th year. Besides the fun of getting doused in color, the event also includes refreshments, a silent auction, inflatables, and a variety of sponsor booths.

Holmen Halfway Creek Trail

SUICIDE SAFER CARE

July-September 2024

Suicide rates in the United States have reached their highest recorded levels in recent years. As vital providers of primary care, community health centers (CHCs) can play a key role in addressing this public health crisis. Half of individuals who end their lives by suicide visit a primary care provider in the month before their passing, making these visits key opportunities to intervene. Join a webinar series from the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved and PCA partners to learn evidence-based strategies to identify and intervene with patients at risk, to support clinicians and staff who may themselves be at risk, and to create a culture of Suicide Safer Care for all at CHCs.

Online Webinar Series

NAMI WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL MEETING

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 (6:00pm)

NAMI La Crosse-Vernon is now NAMI West Central Wisconsin (WCW). After the Covid-19 era we are back to providing the public with information to address mental wellbeing. Please join us for our first educational session as NAMI WCW. Refreshments will be provided.

“How to Make the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Work for You” presented by Zachery Trebelhorn, La Crosse County Human Resources Supervisor, Adult Protective Services

First Congregational Church 2505 Main St, La Crosse

MONROE COUNTY PRIDE EVENT

Saturday, October 26th, 2024 (2:00-5:00pm)

Join us in celebrating Monroe County’s first Pride Event! Discover LGBTQ+ friendly resources in our community. Enjoy free snacks, live music, and other fun activities. Show up and be your authentic self.

Mueller Square 120 N Water St, Sparta (Barney Center 1000 E Montgomery St in case of inclement weather)

BENS HOPE GRIEF AND HEALING HEARTS RETREAT

November 1-3, 2024

Join BENS Hope for an upcoming Grief and Healing Hearts Retreat November 1-3, 2024. Offered to mom's who've lost a child. No fee to attend. Includes private room with bathroom, all meals, and materials. Meeting beautiful mom's where they are on their grief and healing journey, sharing our hearts and stories in a safe space with other mom's who care and understand, offering support and compassion as we remember our loved ones, create new memories, and lasting friendships.

WI 2025 PAWS FOR PREVENTION PHOTO CALENDAR CONTEST

October 2024

Pet parents far and wide - submit your pet for the coveted front cover of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Paws for Prevention Calendar, as well as pet of the month honors! Make sure your pet looks his or her best, is in a favorite pose, and ready to put their best paw forward! Our pets are sometimes our best support systems and remind us to take care of ourselves, so honor them by submitting them for this contest!