Guide for families

Grief support in Dane County

Crisis lines and support groups for families after a sudden or violent death.

No money up frontPrice approved firstInsurance billed for youLocal techs, 24/7

Quick answerIf you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 any time, or call Dane County’s 24/7 crisis line at (608) 280-2600. Journey Mental Health Center runs a Survivors of Suicide support group for adults grieving a suicide loss. Reviewed by Kevin, who leads our Madison team · Updated November 2026.

Right now

If you need someone to talk to

988 is free and confidential, any hour, by call or text. In Dane County, Journey Mental Health Center runs the 24-hour crisis line at (608) 280-2600. If anyone is in danger, call 911.

UW-Madison students, and people worried about a student, can call UHS at (608) 265-5600, option 9, any hour.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988, any time

Dane County 24/7 crisis line (Journey Mental Health)

(608) 280-2600, any hour

UW-Madison UHS crisis line

(608) 265-5600, option 9, any hour

Local help

Grief and crisis help in Dane County

The offices and helplines around a death, a crime or a hard week, with numbers you can tap. Checked November 2026. We have no paid relationship with any of them.

Crisis, right now

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988Call or text, any hour. Free and confidential, for anyone in the family.

Dane County crisis line (Journey Mental Health)(608) 280-260024 hours, every day, for any mental health crisis.

DAIS domestic abuse helpline(608) 251-444524 hours. Text line (608) 420-4638.

UW-Madison UHS crisis line(608) 265-5600, option 9Any hour, for students and anyone worried about one.

Police & medical examiner

Emergency911Always first if someone is hurt or has died.

Dane County non-emergency dispatch(608) 255-2345For anything that isn't an emergency. Emergencies: 911.

Dane County Sheriff's Officedanesheriff.comUnincorporated areas and villages without their own police.

Dane County Medical Examinermedex.danecounty.govSudden and unattended deaths. Office in McFarland.

Money & insurance

Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation(800) 446-6564State DOJ program. Lists up to $1,000 for crime scene cleanup for eligible victims.

211 WisconsinDial 211Rent, food, utilities and other help near you. 24/7, free.

Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insuranceoci.wi.govQuestions or complaints about an insurance claim.

ADRC of Dane County(608) 240-7400Older adults, people with disabilities and their families. Hoarding help starts here.

Family, tenants & loss

UW-Madison Dean of Students(608) 263-5700Support for families after a student death.

Tenant Resource Centertenantresourcecenter.orgMadison help for tenants and landlords, including mediation.

AFSP Wisconsin chapterafsp.orgSupport groups and events after a suicide loss.

Wis. Stat. 704.165 (when a tenant dies)docs.legis.wisconsin.govWhen a tenancy ends after a tenant's death.

After a suicide

Support after a suicide loss

Grief after a suicide carries its own weight: guilt, anger, questions without answers. Talking with others who’ve lived it helps many people.

Journey Mental Health Center runs a Survivors of Suicide group for adults grieving a suicide loss. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Wisconsin chapter lists more groups and events. Call ahead to check current meeting times.

After a violent death

After a homicide or violent crime

The victim/witness office at the district attorney’s office can help families through the legal process and point to services. Wisconsin crime victim compensation can help with costs, including counseling.

See our victim compensation guide.

Everyday grief

Taking care of yourself

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Sleep, food and a few people you trust matter more than getting everything done this week. Let others take tasks off your list, including the cleanup.

Your doctor, a counselor, a faith community or a hospice bereavement program can all help.

FAQ

Common questions

Is 988 only for suicide?

No. It’s for anyone in emotional distress or worried about someone else.

Is there a local crisis line?

Yes. Dane County’s 24/7 crisis line is (608) 280-2600.

Are there groups for suicide loss?

Yes. Journey Mental Health Center runs one, and AFSP Wisconsin lists others.

Can you help with the cleanup so I don't have to?

Yes. That’s exactly what we do.

Sources we checked (reviewed November 2026)

Keep reading

Suicide cleanup

Death at home: the first 24 hours

Wisconsin victim compensation

We’re here right now

You don't have to handle this alone

Call now. The tech closest to you starts driving while we talk, and nothing happens until you approve the plan. Day or night, no money up front.

¿Prefiere hablar en español? Ofrecemos asistencia bilingüe cuando la necesite. Llame al 608-974-1788.

Keep our number handy

Scan to save our 24/7 number

Point your phone’s camera at the code and it saves MadTown Biohazard to your contacts, with a link back to this page. It’s handy to keep, or to share with family, a funeral director or a property manager when someone needs help fast.

On your phone already? Tap to call 608-974-1788

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