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. Seventy-five percent of these suicides involve firearms. Low population density, severe weather, and social factors significantly impact Wyoming's high suicide rates.

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.

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.

In Teton County, our interventions have driven down suicides by 50% over two years. 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.