September is Suicide Prevention Month and serves as a poignant reminder that, in the midst of life's changes, we must be vigilant in offering support, understanding, and hope to those in need. May this month inspire us to lend a helping hand to those in distress, reinforcing the belief that every life is precious, and no one should suffer alone.

Republicans know the importance of adequate mental health resources and the pervasiveness of the mental health crisis in Wisconsin and across the country, which is why our budget made critical investments through several initiatives.

Investing in mental health within our schools is an investment in our students' well-being, their academic success, and the future of our society, which is why we allocated $30 million for school mental health initiatives. These funds allow school districts to partner with community organizations to provide mental health services to students right in their schools—reducing barriers to important services. With this investment, we can help create an environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically.

Republicans also recognize the challenges facing farmers related to mental health—a group that faces higher rates of suicide than the general population. That’s why Republicans are extending funding for the Farmer Wellness Program, which provides a variety of mental health services for farmers and their families. This includes a 24-hour helpline, telehealth visits with mental health professionals, and courses on managing the stress of farming.

Our budget also provides targeted support for mental health care access through the Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) psychiatry residency program. Fifty five of 72 counties in our state have a significant shortage of psychiatrists and nearly a third of counties have none. With adults and youth reporting higher levels of mental illness, these investments will help ensure the growing mental health needs of our state are met through supporting ten new residents, located in central and northeastern Wisconsin.

The 988 hotline is a critical and life-saving resource for individuals facing mental health crises throughout the United States. By dialing 988, individuals can connect with trained crisis counselors who provide immediate support, assistance, and referrals to mental health services. In its first year of service, the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline received nearly 92,000 contacts for support, including 72,000 calls, 10,000 texts, and 9,000 online chats. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.