Assembly Speaker Robin Vos forms task force for suicide prevention

MADISON — Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is forming a task force to work on suicide prevention.

Vos announced the task force Wednesday. He said in a news release that he has appointed Rep. Joan Ballweg as the task force's chairwoman and he plans to name other members in the coming weeks.

The task force will evaluate the state's current suicide prevention programs and how to improve them, look for ways to help at-risk individuals such as farmers and children, work to increase awareness and work to eliminate barriers to care.

The panel will hold hearings around the state to gather input from survivors, experts and impacted families and present policy recommendations by fall.

According to state health officials, more than 700 Wisconsin residents commit suicide annually.