Turn Awareness into Action-Mental Health Awareness Month
Black River Falls –The Jackson County Board of Supervisors has once again proclaimed the month
of May Mental Health Awareness Month in Jackson County. Since founding Mental Health
Month in 1949, each May, Mental Health America has led the charge to promote mental
wellness during Mental Health Month. This year’s theme focuses on moving towards action in
your community and moving beyond awareness by taking meaningful steps towards better
mental health for all.
The Jackson County Behavioral Health Division is excited to do something new this year, which is
possible due to a donation made by Black River Tattoo. On September 29, 2024, Black River
Tattoo held a fundraiser to raise awareness around suicide as September is Suicide Awareness
Month. The fundraiser brought in $710, and this amount was donated to Jackson County
Behavioral Health to continue its outreach and educational offerings around suicide prevention
and mental health awareness.
Since 2018, during the month of May, Jackson County Behavioral Health has displayed green
ribbons downtown Black River Falls to raise awareness and reduce stigma of mental health. In
honor of Mental Health Month this year, green flags with the Jackson County Crisis line and
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline numbers will be displayed during the month of May. The
donation above made this possible. Rather than just create awareness, we can share valuable
resources with the community as well in a new and unique way.
According to Mental Health America, in June 2020, over 25,000 depression screeners reported
thinking of suicide or self-harm on more than half of days to nearly every day, with over 14,000
reporting these thoughts nearly every day. According to Jackson County Behavioral Health data,
in 2024, there were 317 crisis contacts. Of the total contacts, 237 were adults, 54 were ages 14-
17, 21 were under the age of 14, and 5 had unknown ages.
421 Cty. Rd. R, Black River Falls, WI 54615
T: (715) 284-4301
F: (715) 284-7713
http://www.bhjacksoncounty.org
“Our goal is to continue bringing awareness to Jackson County on the topic of mental health, but
also ensuring resources are made known and available to those in need. During a past campaign
that included a billboard with the Jackson County Crisis Line number, our department noticed an
increase in crisis calls from new clients, leading us to believe our efforts had been successful and
we hope these flags with the local and national crisis lines will do the same” said Jackson County
Behavioral Health Manager, Jessica Stinson.
Maintaining good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being, and communities
thrive when they prioritize mental health. You have the power to take charge of your mental
health and well-being, and it begins with small, intentional steps. By starting with yourself, you
can create a ripple effect, inspiring others and contributing to a society where mental health is
prioritized and supported.
No mental health crisis should be dismissed or treated lightly, and the more our community
learns about suicide, self-harm, and mental health, the more stigma around the topic is reduced,
allowing our community members to be less afraid of openly talking about their struggles. If you
or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can contact the Jackson
County Crisis Line 24 hours/7 days per week at (888) 552-6642 or call or text the National Suicide
& Crisis Lifeline at 988. Please join us in our efforts to raise awareness, rise above the stigma, and
promote recovery for those struggling with mental health.