Compared overall national trends in suicide rates to Wisconsin trends in suicide rates from 1984 to 1998, examined suicide rates in Wisconsin sub-groups and assessed progress toward Wisconsin’s Public Health Agenda for the 2000 suicide mortality goals. From 1984-1998, mean suicide mortality rates decreased 8% nationally & 14% in Wisconsin. The current declines in teens 15-19 & elderly 75-84 may indicate reversals of previous trends. Rates for women decreased for nearly all age groups. Progress has been made toward Wisconsin Public Health Agenda goals, but it’s unlikely the overall objective of 8 per 100,000 will be met. (17 refs)