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Injury and Violence Prevention Program

An illustration of two people walking up to a broken bridge over a rushing river

Two new comprehensive suicide prevention funding opportunities

Two funding opportunities are currently open focusing on implementing Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) for rural males ages 25 and over and adolescents ages 10-19. More information and application materials can be found at the links below. Frequently Asked Questions will be posted to this page throughout the application process. The deadline to apply for both opportunities is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 18. 

Injury is a threat to public health

In 2019, injury accounted for about 27,000 non-fatal hospitalizations, 393,000 emergency room visits, and more than 5,000 deaths. Of the deaths due to injury, 20% were intentional (self-inflicted or homicide)*.

Injury is recognized nationally and in Wisconsin as a threat to public health. Rather than being random, unpredictable and unavoidable occurrences, injuries can be understood and prevented. The broad category of injury is generally divided into:

  • Unintentional injuries (falls, poisonings, motor vehicle crashes, etc.)
  • Intentional injuries (homicide, suicide, sexual assault, etc.)
An illustration of two people struggling to stay above water in a rushing river

The Wisconsin Injury Prevention and Control Statute (Wis. Stat. § 255.20) directs DHS to maintain an Injury Prevention Program that includes data collection, surveillance, education, and the promotion of intervention; provides local agencies with technical assistance for effective program development and evaluation; and collaborates with other state agencies to reduce intentional and unintentional injuries.

The Wisconsin Injury and Violence Prevention Program uses multiple prevention measures to reduce harm, focusing on upstream efforts.

*Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Health Informatics. Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health (WISH) data query system, Injury-Related Hospitalizations, Emergency Department Visits and Mortality Module, accessed 2/1/2021.

Violence and Injury Prevention Partnerships

The Wisconsin Violence and Injury Prevention Partnership (WIVIPP) brings together injury and violence prevention professionals from across Wisconsin to create safe and injury-free communities for all. WIVIPP works within a social justice and health equity framework to address the disproportionate burden of injury and violence among marginalized populations across the state. WIVIPP’s mission is to prevent violence and injuries among Wisconsin residents using data, collaborative partnerships, and leveraging of resources.

Membership in WIVIPP is open to individuals and organizations who are committed to the reduction and prevention of injury and violence in Wisconsin. If you are interested in joining the partnership as an individual or as an organizational representative, please reach out to Rebecca Gonnering, Injury and Violence Prevention Coordinator, by phone 920-448-5226 or by emailing Rebecca Gonnering at Rebecca.Gonnering@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Additional resources

Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health Use this to get the most current data and information on injury-related data, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Additional links to specific injury and violence data pages:

  • The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control This is the main page for all injury and prevention control information available through the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Use this page to learn about current efforts at the national level.
  • Wisconsin Poison Center Get information on how to poison proof your home, interactive teaching activities for young children, order poison prevention materials, stickers and magnets.
    • Program this phone number into your cell phone right now: 1-800-222-1222. This is the nationwide Poison Control Center phone number.
    • It connects you to your local poison control center anywhere in the U.S. You will receive free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year from toxicology specialists, including nurses, pharmacists, physicians and poison information providers.
Last revised March 18, 2024