MILWAUKEE — Dozens of Marquette University students have become suicide alert helpers.

According to the CDC, suicide rates in Wisconsin have increased every year since 2020.

Kaela Taylor and her classmates in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program took the Safetalk Suicide Prevention Training.

They are learning to recognize when someone is having thoughts of suicide, how to ask questions, how to be a good listener and how to get that person help.

Taylor said for their assignment they took turns role playing.

For the exercise, one played a patient in the clinic having suicidal thoughts while the other practices making sure they get help.

“It was kind of a lot," said Taylor. "I made it where I was having knee troubles, some chronic pain and it was making me realize that there is a lot that I have been seeing in a different light.”

Taylor said the takeaway for her is to make sure the suicidal person knows that you care. She also said it is important to eventually get them connected with mental health resources.

“It’s kinda the phrase of if I knew then what I know now that kind of thing, so if I could have applied this to my past," said Taylor. "That would have been great.”

Maddie Arnett also took the training. She explained that because of her job as a Resident Assistant on campus, she views this is as an opportunity to provide a safe space for others.

“I have to think on my feet with what to say but I always think about the impacts that my parents made on me that whoever you run into make sure you are treating them how you want to be treated like the golden rule," said Arnett. "I think it’s important to take a second and reflect and be there for that person because you never know what someone is going through.”

Levi Stein, Executive Director for the Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, said he is willing to host these suicide prevention training sessions for any organization in the Milwaukee area. He also said that is because it is life-saving training.

“Statistically speaking, a life will be saved within 90 days of every training given to 30 people,” said Stein.

However, he believes as long as there is one suicide in Milwaukee, there is still a long way to go.

“There are a lot of resources," said Stein. "That’s nice, it’s not enough, but there are a lot of resources. I think what’s mostly missing is that connection piece. People are struggling and they are not being connected to those resources.”

Taylor said she now feels more prepared to help someone who is thinking about suicide.

“I have always known and always been big on," said Taylor. "Everyone has a purpose, and everyone has a story and I think that you can learn a lot from those people so every interaction is kind of important.”

At the end of the four-hour session, every student was certified as a suicide alert helper.

Taylor, Arnett and their classmates believe to make a positive impact on others if that time ever arises.

The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin has also started the ‘Wish You Knew’ podcast where teens interview other teens about their mental health. For more information, click here.