Marshfield Clinic Offering Series of Free Suicide Prevention Seminars

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 -- 9:01 AM

A series of free community suicide prevention trainings will be offered across Wisconsin with special focus on supporting farmers, first responders, military personnel and veterans.

The events are part of a community outreach initiative organized by the Marshfield Clinic Veterans Care Coordinator (VetCoor) and the Marshfield Clinic Military & Veterans Employee Resource Group, in collaboration with the AgriSafe Network, Inc.

These live, in-person sessions are designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip participants with practical tools to prevent suicide in rural communities.

The target audience for the offered trainings include healthcare providers, veteran service organizations, clergy, police and fire departments, emergency and first responders, coaches and educators, and all community members who want to be better prepared to save a life.

“These trainings can empower any of us, friends, neighbors, coworkers, clergy and parishioners, farmers, veterans, to recognize warning signs, start tough conversations and connect those in crisis to help,” said Bryan Weichelt, Ph.D., research scientist and past chair of Marshfield Clinic’s Military & Veterans Employee Resource Group. “Suicide prevention starts with awareness, compassion, and community.”

The training courses are provided by Tara Haskins, Ph.D., and Linda Emanuel of AgriSafe Network's Total Farmer Health, with support from Marshfield Clinic. To register for training, email [email protected] or call 715-532-2329.

Evidence-based programs will be offered throughout the week:

QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer): A widely used training that teaches participants how to recognize warning signs of suicide, talk confidently with someone in crisis, and connect them to professional help. Includes a special veteran-focused curriculum adapted for rural communities.

CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means): Ideal for general audiences and community groups, this session helps participants understand how to discuss firearm safety and other lethal means, recognize distress, and intervene effectively before or during a crisis.

CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means): a workshop format created for mental health clinicians, primary care providers, substance abuse counselors, and crisis intervention professionals. The workshop includes case studies, clinical video vignettes, safety planning basics and offers opportunities to practice clinical conversations.

Training will be held on the following dates:

March 23 – Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake, 1700 West Stout St.

11 a.m. – Question Persuade Refer (QPR)

Noon – CALM Conversations (lunch included for those registered)

1:30 p.m. – QPR

2:30 p.m. – CALM Conversations 

March 24 – Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua, 9576 Highway 70

9 a.m. – QPR

10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – CALM Counseling (open to healthcare providers)

Lunch served around noon

3 p.m. – CALM Conversations

March 25 in Auburndale at Elementary School Auditorium, 10564 School St.

8:30-9:15am – check-in and networking – coffee and pastries provided

9:15 a.m. – QPR

10:30 a.m. – CALM Conversations

March 25 in Marshfield at Rembs Celebration Center, 250 S. Oak Ave.

1 p.m. – QPR

2 p.m. – CALM Conversations 

March 26 – Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield, 1000 N. Oak Ave., (across the street at Froehlke Auditorium inside the Laird Center for Medical Research)

9 a.m. – QPR

10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – CALM Counseling (open to healthcare providers)

Lunch served around noon

3 p.m. – CALM Conversations

March 27 – Wausau at Elks Lodge, 414 Scott St.

8:30 a.m. – QPR

9:30 a.m. – CALM Conversations

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.