Goal: Expand the continuum of care and address barriers to care for underserved areas and historically marginalized communities.
Objective: Increase availability and competency of providers within the continuum of care to respond to individuals with risk of suicide.
Action Steps:
1. Establish orientation and training plans specific to suicide prevention at all health and behavioral health organizations.
2. Advocate for Wisconsin health and behavioral health professional licensing boards to require suicide prevention training for licensing renewal.
3. Provide incentives for providers to improve access to culturally competent suicide care.
4. Provide further incentives for providers to work in rural areas of the state to improve access to care.
5. Partner with local coalitions and community organizations to provide resources and alternative care options for individuals. Include schools, tribal governments, harm reduction programs, jails/reentry services, and faith communities in planning and delivering suicide prevention services.
6. Facilitate access to telehealth services for communities with limited access or tech literacy. Access gaps may be bridged through the distribution of devices (e.g., tablets) with pre-installed crisis apps or access to virtual support groups, along with one-on-one digital literacy coaching.
7. Support mobile support units and community outreach initiatives that bring behavioral health care directly to shelters, encampments, reservations, and community events.
8. Provide funding for transportation vouchers and care navigators to assist people with appointments and follow-up care. Provide onsite childcare to improve accessibility for parents seeking care.
9. Provide flexible availability of appointments to improve access for those who cannot make appointments during traditional business hours.
10. Increase research to better understand factors that prevent help-seeking behavior.
11. Increase transparency in policy related to wellness checks and intervention in response to screening high risk of suicide.