WYOMING
Working together across Wyoming.
Wyomingites are tough, just like the lifestyle and environment in which they live. Yet the benefits of living in such a beautiful state come with challenges too, especially when it comes to suicide. Residents appreciate independence and self-reliance; some call it the cowboy culture. We are helping Wyomingites lean into their culture to help themselves when they’re in distress - and help each other, with a 50% reduction in suicides in Teton County. We have helped add one more reason for Wyoming residents to be proud of themselves. Now it is time to branch out, empowering other communities state-wide.
HELPING WYOMING
Proud of our heritage
The problem
Wyoming ranks among the top five U.S. states for suicide rates, double the national average. It is the seventh leading cause of death in Wyoming and the second for ages 10-44. Over 70% of these suicides involve firearms. Low population density, severe weather, and social factors significantly impact Wyoming's high suicide rates.
Our approach
In Teton County, we have partnered with diverse sectors for three years to implement the PROSPER method, engaging U.S. Park Rangers, medical and mental health providers, school counselors, teachers and first responders. This collaboration has empowered the community to openly discuss suicide prevention strategies, incorporating feedback from attempt survivors and state officials.
Our impact
We have initiated meaningful dialogues and united community partners around core values of being a good neighbor and supporting those in distress while leading to two policy summits. These gatherings involved various community leaders and trusted partners, focusing on strategic community interventions and policy enhancements for suicide risk management.
Our results
In Teton County, our interventions have helped drive down suicides by 50% over two years. Our approach reduced suicide in federal law enforcement by 47%. Opening the right discussions about suicide has fostered more confident professionals, with 93% of our program participants gaining competence in PROSPER's key skills, and 92% feeling highly confident in these skills, significantly enhancing professional adherence to evidence-based practices.
OUR TEAM
We love what we do
Are you passionate about suicide prevention? There’s a role for everyone in this crucial mission. Learn how you can get involved, whether through volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
Events coming up
Check out what events we have going on.
Washakie County Community Event
Date/Time: November 14th, 6:30-8pm
Location: Worland Community Center
1200 Culbertson Avenue
Worland, WY 82401
Who should attend: Parents, Educators, First Responders, Mental Health Professionals, Concerned Citizens, and Community Volunteers.
With Suicidologist Dr. Corso. and Attempt Survivor Shawn Moore
Washakie County
Suicide Prevention Training - Medical and Mental Health Providers, Clinicians, Religious Leaders and Crisis Staff.
Date/Time: Nov.14th, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Location: Worland Community Center
1200 Culbertson Avenue
Worland, WY 82401
Who should attend: Medical and Mental Health Providers, Clinicians, Religious Leaders and Crisis Staff.
Suicide Prevention Online Training
Suicide Prevention Training- Medical and Mental Health Providers, Clinicians, Religious Leaders and Crisis Staff.
Date/Time: January 14th, January 21st, January 28th (REGISTRATION IS CLOSED)
(Tuesdays)
Location: Online
Who should attend: This training is open to everyone, including educators, faith leaders, and other community members, not just medical and mental health professionals.
Suicide Prevention Online Training
Suicide Prevention Training- Medical and Mental Health Providers, Clinicians, Religious Leaders and Crisis Staff.
Date/Time: February 6th, February 13th, February 20th, 2025
(Thursdays)
Location: Online
Who should attend: This training is open to everyone, including educators, faith leaders, and other community members, not just medical and mental health professionals.
Natrona County- Free Suicide Prevention Training
Medical and Mental Health Clinicians and Staff, and Crisis Staff
TIME: 8:30AM-4:30PM MT (lunch provided)
Location: TBD
DESCRIPTION: Recent studies find therapists are less willing to treat patients in crisis due to therapists’ self-identified lack of training and resources. Less than 50% of graduate training programs in mental health address suicide risk assessment. Resources for managing individuals with suicidal signs and symptoms are even more scarce. This eight-hour event includes didactics, discussion, video and skills practice. Learners will increase their competence, confidence and comfort managing suicidal patients. Attendees will advance their skills in contemporary evidence-based risk assessment, management and clinical decision making for people with suicide risk.
Continuing Education credits are offered for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors and behavior analysts (6 credits).
Natrona County- Free Suicide Prevention Training
First Responders, Educators, Faith Leaders, Business Supervisors and Owners, and Peer Support.
DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH, 2025
TIME: 8:30AM-4:30PM MT (lunch provided)
Location: TBD
DESCRIPTION: Recent studies find that firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medicine teams, clergy, and educators, are increasingly being asked to assist individuals at risk for suicide. While these professionals attend basic training courses in this area, many still feel underprepared. First responders are trained to assess risk and threat and manage many other types of high-stakes situations. Educators are already skilled at having delicate conversations with parents and students. They deserve more tools for managing those in crisis. This eight-hour training includes didactics, discussion, video, and skills practice. Attendees will increase their competence, confidence, and comfort in managing individuals at risk for suicide. Learners will advance their evidence-based risk assessment, management, and decision-making skills including helping themselves and their peers who may be at risk.
Sublette County- Free Suicide Prevention Training
First Responders, Educators, Faith Leaders, Peer Support, and Business Owners and Supervisors
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16TH, 2025
TIME: 8:30AM-4:30PM MT (lunch provided)
LOCATION: Lovatt Room, Pinedale Library, 155 South Tyler Street, PinedaleDESCRIPTION: Recent studies find that firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medicine teams, clergy, and educators, are increasingly being asked to assist individuals at risk for suicide. While these professionals attend basic training courses in this area, many still feel underprepared. First responders are trained to assess risk and threat and manage many other types of high-stakes situations. Educators are already skilled at having delicate conversations with parents and students. They deserve more tools for managing those in crisis. This eight-hour training includes didactics, discussion, video, and skills practice. Attendees will increase their competence, confidence, and comfort in managing individuals at risk for suicide. Learners will advance their evidence-based risk assessment, management, and decision-making skills including helping themselves and their peers who may be at risk.
Sublette County- Free Suicide Prevention Training
Medical and Mental Health Clinicians and Staff, and Crisis Staff
DATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16TH, 2025
TIME: 8:30AM-4:30PM MT (lunch provided)
Sublette School District #1, 665 N Tyler Pinedale, WY 82941 Pinedale Administration Building, Board Room, Enter at BOCES or Sub#1, Administration Building
DESCRIPTION: Recent studies find therapists are less willing to treat patients in crisis due to therapists’ self-identified lack of training and resources. Less than 50% of graduate training programs in mental health address suicide risk assessment. Resources for managing individuals with suicidal signs and symptoms are even more scarce. This eight-hour event includes didactics, discussion, video and skills practice. Learners will increase their competence, confidence and comfort managing suicidal patients. Attendees will advance their skills in contemporary evidence-based risk assessment, management and clinical decision making for people with suicide risk.Continuing Education credits are offered for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors and behavior analysts (6 credits).
At PROSPER TOGETHER, we offer expert guidance in suicide prevention, tailored for community leaders, elected officials, and clinicians, using evidence-based strategies and insights.
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