Wisconsin is expanding partnerships intended to help prevent suicide, including broader community training through health system Aspirus and a new alliance with Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, known as CALM America. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the partnerships Monday as Suicide Prevention Month draws to a close. The department said the work will train mental health professionals and health care workers, while Aspirus expands training for communities in Question, Persuade, and Refer, a method for recognizing warning signs and encouraging people at risk to seek help. “Beyond helping more providers and community members recognize the warning signs of suicide and addressing gaps in healthcare access, both partnerships reduce and remove the stigma around mental health discussions and strongly encourage the kind of open and honest conversations that can save lives,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. Reducing access to lethal means during a mental health crisis is also part of suicide prevention. Firearms were involved in more than half of the suicides recorded in Milwaukee County in 2025, according to the figures cited by the Department of Health Services. Milwaukee County provides crisis response and behavioral health services, and local organizations offer free or sliding-scale mental health care. The Wisconsin Gun Shop Project’s Live Today – Put It Away program works with participating firearm retailers, including some in Milwaukee County, to provide safety information and temporary off-site firearm storage, often for a low fee. People experiencing a crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time. The state advises those concerned about someone to ask directly whether the person is thinking about suicide, stay connected, help reduce access to lethal items or places during a crisis, connect them with professional or community services, and follow up afterward.