LA CROSSE, WI (SPECTRUM NEWS) – As Wisconsin's suicide rate rises,  state lawmakers want to figure out what is causing the spike and how to best stop it.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers heard from health care professionals and the public Monday afternoon about ways to address the growing issue.

The Speaker's Task Force on Suicide Prevention is a 15-member group of state representatives who traveled from across the state seeking suggestions.

It was a chance for lawmakers to hear about what is working and what is not.

Kayla Jones, a clinical manager with Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, answered questions about Wisconsin's inpatient psychiatric bed locator, which is a system that helps full hospitals find places for patients to go.

“It's a great concept, but might not always provide an accurate portrayal of in the moment since it's only updated only every so often,” Jones said.

Jones' colleague,  Emily Flannery,  a nurse also with Gundersen Health System, spoke about ways the shortage of follow up care providers,  especially in rural areas, could be fixed. 

“If we could get more education and support to our primary care physicians so they would feel comfortable prescribing and managing these medications that would certainly help improve especially those rural areas,” Flannery said.

Others representing La Crosse County Human Services recommended increasing incentives to create alternatives to hospitals and requiring private insurance to provide reimbursement for crisis services.

Dr. Gregory Thompson spoke for the Wisconsin Medical Society to bring attention to a topic that hits close to home for him, which is the suicide crisis among health professionals who care for those in need. 

“The suicide rate of physicians is twice that of the general population,” Thompson said. “The suicide rate of physicians is the highest of any profession.” 

Thompson reminded the committee that even healers need healing.

“Nationally, one physician commits suicide every day,” Thompson said. “To put that in perspective, it means that every graduate of the two medical schools in Wisconsin is simply replacing physicians who complete suicide each year.”

Lawmakers are trying to learn as much as they possibly can about the issue.

There are four more meetings planned to focus on specific areas including youth, farmers, veterans, and first responders.

Leaders on the committee say they will also focus on senior citizens too.

If you or someone you know is in need of free, confidential support the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day every day at 1-800-273-8255.