MCW Division of Suicide Research and Healing

11/19/2025

Dr. Sara Kohlbeck and fellow Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine faculty member Dr. Katherine Quinn were recently featured in a Conversations on Professionalism podcast episode!🎙

Conversations on Professionalism is a podcast created by the Professionalism Enrichment Committee (PEC) of the MCW Faculty Council that "explores the evolving landscape of medical professionalism through candid conversations, expert insights, and real-world experiences." Dr.'s Kohlbeck and Quinn spoke in this episode about the complexities of professionalism in academic medicine and implicit bias with a focus on a recent project the two partnered on.

Take a listen by scanning the Spotify code shown in the graphic in the Spotify app or visiting the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HpwPFEFnSCqzQn6wsgnQm?si=d97c2b76ed9c4a21

11/18/2025

💚Today is the 5th annual National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD)!💚

Started by Estell Lenita Johnson, the Communications Director for the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at the time, NIPD was created with the purpose of increasing awareness on preventing leading causes of injury, particularly those that are evidence-based, fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and inspiring advocacy.

To contribute to this incredible cause, we at the MCW Division of Su***de Research and Healing put together a fact sheet on su***de statistics and evidence-based prevention strategies. As the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, su***de is an issue that requires our attention and needs to be addressed. As community members, learning the facts and what methods of prevention have been scientifically proven to work and practicing those methods if and when possible is a great way to contribute to su***de prevention efforts!

To learn more about NIPD, visit nationalinjurypreventionday.org or Injury Free Coalition for Kids.

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11/14/2025

Yesterday, su***de prevention signs went up in 40 different Milwaukee County parks. Our director, Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, was a part of this effort in addition to collaborators Milwaukee County Parks, Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, and County Executive David Crowley. These parks were chosen based on su***de location data retrieved from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office and mapped by Dr. Kohlbeck. About 40 su***de deaths have taken place in a Milwaukee County or City park since 2020, including that of Jonathan Brostoff - Milwaukee alderman, former Wisconsin state legislator, and close friend of County Executive David Crowley - just over one year ago.

The newly placed signs include two crisis numbers to call: 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and 414-257-7222, the Milwaukee Mobile Crisis Line. Both numbers are free, confidential, staffed by trained counselors, and available 24/7.

We are so proud of this work and are excited to continue increasing and improving su***de prevention efforts in Milwaukee County! To learn more about the signs and their unveiling, see the following coverage by local news sources:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2025/11/13/su***de-prevention-signs-appear-across-milwaukee-county-parks/87248235007/

WISN 12: https://www.wisn.com/article/milwaukee-county-unveils-su***de-prevention-signs-in-parks/69426852

CBS 58 News Milwaukee: https://www.cbs58.com/news/milwaukee-forwards-new-signage-in-effort-to-reach-out-to-people-struggling-with-mental-health-su***de

Fox6 News Milwaukee: https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-county-parks-su***de-prevention-signs-message-help-hope

📸 1-3 courtesy of County Executive David Crowley

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11/14/2025

11/12/2025

The SAR Flag is a symbol of remembrance and resilience for those who served. At DSRH, we stand with our active service members and veterans, committed to supporting their mental health and well-being.

On this Veterans Day, the DSRH, in partnership with US Navy Veteran Rob Roberts, unveiled the Su***de Remembrance & Awareness (SAR) Flag at ThriveOn King. In support of this unveiling, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley issued a proclamation which was read at the event.

To learn more about the SAR Flag, visit sarflag.org.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support, here are resources that can help:
➡️ Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
➡️ VA Mental Health Services: www.mentalhealth.va.gov
➡️ Vet Centers (community-based counseling): www.vetcenter.va.gov

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11/10/2025

November 22nd is International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day (ISOSLD). Each year, various chapters of the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention organize hundreds of ISOSLD events across the world. These events, which often feature a guided discussion between su***de loss survivors, a crafting activity, and resource distribution, unite local su***de loss survivors in a safe space to both give and receive support, talk openly about their experiences, and connect. No matter how long since your loss, you are invited to join other loss survivors at your nearest ISOSLD event.

Visit isosld.afsp.org and search your city and/or state to get more information and register for an event. Reach our to your local chapter director, listed on each event page, with any questions or concerns.

If you are unable to attend an in-person event, please note that there are a handful of virtual ISOSLD opportunities as well. AFSP will be live-streaming two main panel discussions - one in English and one in Spanish - on their Facebook and YouTube pages. There are also Zoom ISOSLD events, each with a different community of focus, that are available for loss survivors to join.

Visit isosld.afsp.org to register for events hosted over Zoom. Search by keyword (e.g., LGBTQ, veteran) based on the event you would like to virtually attend to find the event page and registration. Streaming events do not require registration.

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11/06/2025

On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, DSRH Director, and Clare Martell, Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services Su***de Prevention Coordinator, lead LivingWorks Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in Milwaukee. ASIST is a two-day, evidence-based su***de first aid intervention training. Dr. Kohlbeck and Clare traveled to Georgia in August for a five-day training to become ASIST trainers and were able bring the program back to Wisconsin and provide a workshop for the community!

To learn more about ASIST and other LivingWorks trainings, visit livingworks.net.

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11/06/2025

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of tabling with Ballroom Therapy during the resource fair portion of Milwaukee Public Schools' GSA/LGBTQ+ Leadership Summit 2025. To wrap up the event, Ricardo, one of the Ballroom Therapy leaders, coordinated a mini Halloween Kiki Ball to introduce the students to the ballroom scene and give them a taste of what it is like to express yourself through music, dance, and fashion at a ball. Seeing students feel safe, comfortable, and confident being their full, unapologetic selves, having fun, and learning about the resources and programming that are available for them in the community was such a joy to witness and be a part of!🏳️‍🌈 To learn more about Ballroom Therapy, check out their page.

Ballroom Therapy is also an official affiliated program of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, which is putting on their annual fundraising gala, "Big Night OUT", on November 22nd. If you are looking to experience ball culture and learn all about Ballroom Therapy, grab tickets at https://www.mkelgbt.org/bignightout!✨

11/03/2025

We are so excited to announce that we have hired a new Postvention Program Coordinator! Please join us in welcoming Skylar Eisman to the Division of Su***de Research and Healing team!✨

Skylar comes to us from the MCW Graduate School where she was an Education Program Coordinator II. With a background in psychology, research, and event planning, we are thrilled to have her working in our postvention program for Milwaukee County su***de loss survivors, MKE L.O.S.S. Once again, welcome, Skylar!

To learn more about MKE L.O.S.S., please visit mcw.edu/postvention.

10/31/2025

This Halloween, let’s bust the myth that talking about mental health or su***de is scary.👻

The real fright comes from staying silent. Checking in with a friend, asking, “Are you okay?”, or sharing your own struggles can make a life-saving difference. 💬

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are concerned that someone you know is, don't be afraid to talk about it. You are not alone, and help is available.🧡

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10/29/2025

October is Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, share resources, and remind one another that support is always within reach.

If you or someone you know is struggling, these resources are available 24/7:

📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
📞 SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
📞 Never Use Alone Hotline: 800-484-3731

Wisconsin-specific resources:

💻 Safer Use: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/safer-use.htm
💉 Naloxone Access: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aoda/naloxone.htm

Prevention starts with connection.
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10/28/2025

Earlier this month, Dalicia, a medical student who has been working with our division, presented on STEPS (Stronger Than Experiences with Police Study) at the SAMS/MSSRP (Summer Academic programs for Medical Students/Medical Student Summer Research Program) poster session! She has been a great help in recruiting for our study and did a fantastic job creating and presenting her poster!

If you are a student in the Milwaukee area and interested in getting involved with our work, please reach out to Dr. Kohlbeck at skohlbeck@mcw.edu. We love having students on board and are always open to discussing opportunities to get involved!

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