Based on the data presented and the prioritization process of the community stakeholders, mental health was one of three priorities selected in our hospitals’ Community Health Needs Assessment. Ascension Wisconsin is a member of two Tri-County Regional coalitions – Prevent Suicide-Fox Cities (formerly Zero Suicide) and the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Advisory Committee. 
To better understand how the emergency department is part of a comprehensive, system-wide approach to suicide care, 45 emergency department associates from Ascension St. Elizabeth, Ascension Mercy and Ascension Calumet Hospitals received Zero Suicide training. Ninety-five percent of those trained indicated they had a better understanding of the emergency department’s role in suicide care. 
Ascension Wisconsin leaders participated in the QPR advisory and QPR leadership teams to help bring QPR training to Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago Counties. Both teams have added additional members to strengthen the group and make a bigger impact and reach more residents. In FY20, 540 people were trained in the Tri-County region through 38 QPR Gatekeeper trainings. Seventy-nine percent of all QPR gatekeeper training attendees in the Tri-County area reported they feel confident in asking the important questions to recognize a suicide crisis and understood how and where to find help for a person in need.
In addition to staff training, Ascension Wisconsin hospitals and foundations in the region funded additional mental health organizations and initiatives in the Fox Valley in FY20.
Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth (Appleton), Ascension NE Wisconsin - Mercy Campus (Oshkosh), Ascension Calumet Hospital (Chilton)