Number of suicides in Brown County raising concern

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Brown County has averaged nearly one suicide per week this year, raising fresh concerns from a local suicide-prevention coalition.

A Press-Gazette Media report says there have been 28 suicides through August. That’s one more than all of 2011 and six fewer than last year.

Medical examiner Al Klimek is a member of the coalition. He says the group is stepping up its efforts to address factors that can lead to suicide.

The efforts include educational outreach. Coalition members offer training sessions to help people recognize signs that someone might be suicidal, and let them know where they can refer individuals who need help.

The coalition was formed in 2007, when the number of suicides peaked at 40. Other members of the coalition include more than 25 organizations and survivors.