RHINELANDER, Wis. – Aspirus Health will host a free CALM Conversations Workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 3:30–5 p.m. at Art Start, located at 68 S. Stevens St. in Rhinelander. The 90-minute workshop is designed to help community members recognize and respond to suicide risk through supportive, non-judgmental conversations and practical prevention strategies.
CALM Conversations is an introductory suicide prevention workshop for general adult audiences. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, engage in supportive conversations, and take practical steps to help reduce risk for someone who may be thinking about suicide. No prior training in mental health or suicide prevention is required.
"As a health system, we recognize that suicide prevention is a powerful opportunity to partner with our community to build hope and strengthen resilience—because this work cannot be done alone," said Heidi Pritzl; Suicide Prevention Coordinator-Aspirus System. "CALM Conversations assists people to be able to recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on reducing access to lethal means – especially firearms."
Suicide is a serious public health concern across the region. Mental health has consistently been identified as a top priority in Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) throughout the Aspirus Health System. More than half of suicide deaths in counties served by Aspirus Health in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin involve a firearm, according to CDC Wonder data. Rural communities, particularly rural adult men, experience higher suicide rates compared to other populations. This mirrors national trends, where rural areas consistently see higher suicide rates than urban areas.
Research shows that creating time and distance between a person at risk and lethal means significantly reduces the likelihood of suicide attempts and deaths. CALM Conversations emphasizes how temporary, voluntary steps—such as safe firearm storage—can play a critical role in prevention.
Registration is required for this free training. To register, please email tstinebrink@artstartrhinelander.org.