Ashland County secures SCIP grant for hunter safety education and outreach programs

The Ashland County Health and Human Services Board recently announced the receipt of the Wisconsin Department of Justice State Crisis Intervention Program Grant, aimed at enhancing hunter safety education across the county. This grant, effective from September 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, will fund educational outreach initiatives designed to promote safe and responsible hunting practices.

The program will partner with the North Wisconsin Rod and Gun Club to offer hunter safety education courses in local school districts. The funding will cover essential costs such as training materials, class enrollment fees, and certification expenses. The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce hunting-related incidents and injuries by instilling safe firearm behaviors among participants.

In addition to addressing hunting safety, the program also aims to tackle a critical public health issue: firearm-related suicides. Research indicates that firearm ownership can increase the risk of suicide, and the education provided through these courses will include lethal means safety training. This training focuses on temporarily limiting access to firearms as a method of suicide prevention, reinforcing the importance of safety messages in contexts where firearm use is expected.

The estimated budget for this initiative is just over $17,000, and officials are eager to begin purchasing supplies and scheduling classes once the official paperwork is finalized.

In another significant development, the board has been invited to participate in a presentation on September 10, organized by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. This presentation, titled "Accessing Healthcare in Wisconsin," aims to clarify the reproductive healthcare landscape, particularly for residents in rural areas. Ashland County Health and Human Services will collaborate with Planned Parenthood and the Health First Network to highlight the services available through Title X clinics, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and trauma-informed care.

These initiatives reflect Ashland County's commitment to enhancing community safety and health, addressing both immediate educational needs and broader public health concerns.