• WY We Care event provided valuable insights on how to support those in need

Held at the South Lincoln Training and Event Center in Kemmerer and organized by Lincoln County Prevention, this heartfelt gathering brought together community leaders, healthcare professionals, and mental health advocates to confront the urgent issue of suicide in Wyoming. With Governor Mark Gordon leading the discussions, the event emphasized a shared commitment to mental health and the necessity of open dialogue.

Governor Gordon opened the panel by acknowledging the alarming statistics concerning suicide in Wyoming. “I will tell you we have far too much suicide in Wyoming,” he expressed, emphasizing that the state has faced significant challenges in mental health, having been one of the highest in the nation for suicide rates for several years.

Fred Baldwin, a former senator and advocate for mental health awareness, underscored the need to view suicide through a compassionate lens. “For a long time, Wyoming has been the number one state for suicide,” he stated, reminding attendees that these numbers represent real people and their stories. With over 40,000 completed suicides across the United States, the urgency for action is clear.

Dr. Kent Corso, a clinical psychologist, reinforced the societal implications of suicide, noting, “Suicide is a social issue.” His perspective aligns with the revised Good Samaritan Law in Wyoming, which now includes emotional harm alongside physical harm, marking a significant stride in recognizing and addressing mental health challenges.

One of the most poignant moments came from Malorie Bishop, a suicide loss survivor who tragically lost her husband in September 2020. Sharing her experience, she revealed that her husband had struggled with suicidal thoughts since he was 11 years old, a reality she was unaware of during their nine years together. “We need to start talking about suicide,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of communication in preventing tragedies like hers.

The event also highlighted the importance of education and support within the community. Barbara Merritt, a licensed clinical social worker and school counselor, remarked, “Everyone wants to help, they just are scared and don’t know how.” This sentiment resonated with many attendees, as the panel encouraged ongoing education and the creation of safe spaces for conversations about mental health.

Lincoln County showcased a promising trend, with suicide completions decreasing from 18 in 2020-2021 to 7 in 2021-2022. This success illustrates the impact of community initiatives and proactive measures in addressing mental health.

The Call to Action event provided vital resources, including information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and local training opportunities for suicide prevention and intervention. The panel emphasized that engaging in simple conversations and truly listening to one another can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

As the event concluded, the message was clear: it is time to break the silence surrounding suicide. By fostering open dialogues and supporting one another, Wyoming can create a culture of understanding and compassion. As Lexie Scherr, a pharmacist and member of the panel, stated, “We must prioritize mental health just as we do physical health.”

The Call to Action event serves as a reminder that hope exists, and together, we can work towards a future where mental health is openly discussed and supported. Let us take the first step in this journey—start talking about suicide.

For more information on mental health resources and upcoming training, visit prospertogether.net/wyoming.