Wyoming

Wyomingites embody resilience and self-reliance, and by embracing their unique culture, we’ve helped reduce suicides in Teton County by 50%, with plans to expand this success statewide.

 
Find a Training Near You
 
 

The Problem

Wyoming faces a persistent challenge with some of the highest suicide rates in the United States, nearly double the national average. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in the state and the second leading cause for individuals aged 10-44. Over 70% of suicides involve firearms, making access to lethal means a critical area for prevention. Factors such as low population density, extreme weather, and a culture emphasizing self-reliance contribute to the difficulties in addressing mental health and suicide prevention. These challenges call for practical, community-based strategies to reduce suicide risk and improve support systems across the state.

Our Approach

The PROSPER Suicide Prevention Model has been introduced in Sweetwater, Natrona, Sublette, and Washakie counties, expanding on its earlier implementation in Teton County. This model brings together educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, elected officials, and community members to collaborate on suicide prevention. Through a combination of training sessions, workgroups, and policy discussions, participants are equipped with tools and strategies to address suicide prevention in both personal and professional contexts. The approach incorporates feedback from attempt survivors, mental health experts, and local leaders to ensure that interventions are relevant and practical. By aligning efforts and fostering open dialogue, the program helps communities build the capacity to respond to suicide risk more effectively.

Video Poster Image

Our Impact

The PROSPER model has supported communities in developing a stronger foundation for suicide prevention. Training sessions have involved over 1200 participants from a variety of fields, providing practical tools for crisis intervention and prevention efforts. Two policy summits brought together local leaders to address gaps in services, improve resource coordination, and develop plans for addressing suicide risk. The program has also contributed to reducing stigma around discussing mental health and suicide, helping communities feel more prepared to support individuals in distress. These activities have created opportunities for collaboration and have prepared local leaders for future initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and resource development.

Our Results

Participants in the PROSPER training have reported positive outcomes, including increased confidence and competence in addressing suicide prevention. Surveys showed that 100% of attendees felt they gained a better understanding of suicide and its prevention. Additionally, 93% of participants demonstrated competence in using PROSPER’s strategies, including structured crisis response plans, while 92% expressed confidence in their ability to support individuals in crisis. Community leaders have also started implementing changes to improve notification processes and enhance the coordination of mental health services. These results reflect progress in building community readiness and creating practical pathways for ongoing suicide prevention efforts.

Looking Ahead

PROSPER plans to continue expanding its reach to other communities across Wyoming, focusing on areas with limited access to mental health resources. Future efforts will include offering virtual training options, supporting local suicide prevention initiatives, and working with community leaders to refine policies and strategies. By providing individuals and organizations with the tools to address suicide prevention, PROSPER aims to foster stronger, more supportive communities across the state. This continued effort will help create a lasting impact in reducing suicide risk and supporting those in need.

We love what we do... Join Us!

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.

Contact Us

Find A Training Near You

Sweetwater County Free Suicide Prevention Training

Date: Monday, April 14th, 2025
Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm MT (lunch provided)
Location
: Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, 1200 College Dr., Rock Springs, WY 82901

Audience: Medical and Mental Health Clinicians and Providers, Religious Leaders, Peer Support, Crisis Staff

Description:
This interactive, evidence-based training addresses the gap in crisis management skills among clinicians. Participants will build competence, confidence, and comfort in managing suicidal patients, including risk assessment, crisis response planning, and brief interventions.

Continuing Education Credits: 6 credits available for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and behavior analysts.

Instructor: Dr. Lesley Manson, PROSPER Master Trainer and experienced psychologist specializing in suicide prevention.

Register Now

Sweetwater County Free Suicide Prevention Training

Date: Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MT (lunch provided)
Location: Western WY Community College, 2500 College Drive, Room 3650A, Rock Springs, WY 82901

Audience: First Responders, Educators, Faith Leaders, Business Supervisors, and Peer Support Specialists

Description:
This interactive, eight-hour training enhances suicide risk management skills for professionals frequently encountering individuals in crisis. Participants will gain practical tools to assess risk, develop collaborative response plans, and provide brief, evidence-based interventions to support others and themselves.

Instructor: Dr. Kent A. Corso, suicidologist and creator of PROSPER, specializing in empowering communities through strength-based suicide prevention strategies.

Register Now

Sublette County Free Suicide Prevention Training

Date: Tuesday April 15th, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MT (lunch provided)
Location: Marbleton Town Hall, 10700 US-189, Big Piney, WY 83113

Audience: First Responders, Educators, Faith Leaders, Medical and Mental Health Clinicians and Staff, Crisis Staff, Peer Support, and Business Owners and Supervisors

Description:
This comprehensive eight-hour training equips participants with essential skills to manage individuals with suicide risk, emphasizing evidence-based risk assessment, management, and clinical decision-making. Attendees will gain confidence and competence in handling suicidal patients and receive 6 continuing education credits.

Instructor: Dr. Lesley Manson, PROSPER Master Trainer and experienced psychologist specializing in suicide prevention.

Register Now

Sublette County Free Suicide Prevention Training

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MT (lunch provided)
Location: Sublette School District #1, 665 N Tyler, Pinedale, WY 82941 Pinedale Administration Building, Board Room. Enter at BOCES or Sub#1, Administration Building

Audience: Medical and Mental Health Clinicians and Staff, and Crisis Staff

Description:
This comprehensive eight-hour training equips participants with essential skills to manage individuals with suicide risk, emphasizing evidence-based risk assessment, management, and clinical decision-making. Attendees will gain confidence and competence in handling suicidal patients and receive 6 continuing education credits.

Instructor: Dr. Lesley Manson, PROSPER Master Trainer and experienced psychologist specializing in suicide prevention.

Register Now

Sublette County Free Suicide Prevention Training

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MT (lunch provided)
Location: Lovatt Room, Pinedale Library, 155 South Tyler Street, Pinedale, WY

Audience: First responders, educators, faith leaders, peer support, business owners, and supervisors

Description:
This interactive eight-hour training enhances skills in managing individuals at risk for suicide. Participants will build confidence and competence in suicide risk assessment, crisis management, and decision-making.

Instructor: Dr. Kent A. Corso, suicidologist and creator of PROSPER, specializing in empowering communities through strength-based suicide prevention strategies.

Register Now

What Other Wyomingites Are Saying:

"Dr. Kent Corso energy, expertise and insight into the suicide prevention field is unmatched.  His ability to connect with a variety of professionals and elicit engaging conversations around a hard topic sets him apart. He teaches innovative techniques using the newest evidence-based research to bring hope to bend the suicide curve.  He is one of a kind and his work is transformative!"
 
 

— Lindsay Long, MSW, LCSW
Behavioral Health Manager
St. John's Health
Jackson Hole, WY
 "The suicide prevention training opened my eyes to the power of proactive support. Living in a rural part of Wyoming, access to mental health resources is limited, and the risk of isolation is high. This course provided practical, step-by-step tools that I can use to make a difference. I left feeling confident that I could help someone in crisis, even in tough situations. I’m grateful for this vital knowledge—it’s an investment in the well-being of our entire community."


— Rancher, Casper

"This training was truly life-changing. As a community leader in Wyoming, I’ve encountered individuals struggling with mental health, but I never felt equipped to intervene effectively. The hands-on techniques and real-world scenarios taught me how to recognize warning signs and approach difficult conversations with empathy. I now feel empowered to offer meaningful support and guide people to the help they need. Everyone should take this training—it saves lives."

— School Counselor, Cheyenne


     Let's Chat

We’re here to support you. Whether you have questions about our suicide prevention training, need resources, or want to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Us