La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative Awareness Event and Summit this week
Written by Ballzer on September 14, 2025
The La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative (SPI) was formed 20 years ago by a small group of concerned, compassionate and motivated individuals. This week, they have two annual events: their summit at UW-L on Wednesday, and their Awareness event at the Nature Place on Thursday.
SPI Board Member Deb Mahr came in to tell us more about their work and what to expect at this week’s events:
SPI has been able to place signs on Miller and Grandad’s Bluffs that say, “Your Life Matters Call or Text 988.” They’ve also placed signs on the Cass Street and Cameron Street Bridges. These signs read “For Emergency Counseling Call or Text 988”. There are three signs on the stairwells leading up to the bridges with the same message. SPI feels strongly that if they can prevent one person from ending their life with the reminder that “Your Life Matters,” it is worth it!
The La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative Awareness Event will be held Thursday, September 18, at the Nature Place in Myrick Park from 6:00- 7:30 pm. All are welcome to join to help raise awareness about suicide, promote prevention efforts, engage as a community and honor those we have lost. This event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments, resource tables on site from multiple community organizations. The Memorial chair display will be there, too.
RSVP on Facebook HERE.
Their Suicide Prevention Summit is Wednesday, September 17, from 8:45- 4:15 at the Student Union, UW-La Crosse. Registration is required HERE.
