Recently released 2020 Suicide Data indicates that Wyoming is again #1 for suicide deaths per capita (https://save.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2020datapgsv1a-3.pdf). Even though Suicide Prevention Month is in September, the highest rates of suicide actually occur during the spring to summer months, so it’s important to inform, educate, and spread awareness at this time of year too.
This last fall, several community organizations came together to plan a way to make this happen. The Fremont County Prevention Program, Suicide Prevention Task Force, Fremont County School District #1’s Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness & Resiliency in Education – from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), Trinity Episcopal Church of Lander, and Grace for 2 Brothers Foundation have prepared a week of suicide prevention training & events beginning on Monday, February 21st.
safeTALK
February 22, 2022
This half-day training will run from 9 am-1 pm. You will learn four basic steps to create a life-saving connection. Learn more at www.livingworks.net/safeTALK or contact Tauna Groomsmith at 307-851-1667. This will be held at the Lander Library, 200 Amoretti St.
Harm Reduction
February 22, 2022
This is a 2-hour course (2 pm-4 pm) of practical strategies that reduce the negative consequences of drug use and high-risk sexual activity. It incorporates a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use, to abstinence. Participants will learn the essentials of harm reduction best practices and identify case examples of harm reduction strategies in medical and behavioral health settings. This will be held at the Lander Library, 200 Amoretti St.
Lunch & Learn, QPR
February 23, 2022
Question. Persuade. Refer. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. Our QPR is from Noon to 1:30 pm and provides local statistics and resources. Contact Tauna Groomsmith at 307-851-1667 with questions. This will be held at the Lander Library, 200 Amoretti St.
Community Panel & Resource Night
February 23, 2022
Everyone is welcome for this community discussion from 6-8 pm. This will be held at the Lander Library, 200 Amoretti St.
FCSD #1 Family Engagement Night, QPR
February 24, 2022
Question. Persuade. Refer. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. This QPR is open to the public and will be held from 6-8 pm in the FCSD #1 Board Room, 863 Sweetwater Street in Lander.
ASIST
February 24-25, 2022
This Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is from 8 am-5 pm on BOTH days at 863 Sweetwater St., Lander, WY 82520. It features powerful audio-visuals, discussions, and simulations. You will learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive. Knowledgeable and supportive trainers will guide you through the course, ensuring your comfort and safety. To learn more, click here.
safeTALK
February 26, 2022
This half-day training will run from 9 am-1 pm. You will learn four basic steps to create a life-saving connection. Learn more at www.livingworks.net/safeTALK or contact Tauna Groomsmith at 307-851-1667. This will be held at the Lander Library, 200 Amoretti St.
All events are free and open to the public for ages 15 & up.
“Suicide doesn’t discriminate – anyone can be affected by it and sadly, most of us have been, in one way or another. It’s going to take all of us working together to truly combat this tragic problem in our state. We have to close gaps and address challenges that are unique to WYO. We can create change by encouraging open, unbiased conversations around difficult topics, like suicide and substance misuse, spreading awareness, and working to break stigmas. We can be more mindful of the language we use, expand discussions on reducing access to lethal means during times of emotional struggle, and educate community members about risk factors and warning signs to watch out for in ourselves, and one another. We need to enhance protective factors that help with resilience, teach healthy coping skills and distribute resource information, so people know where and how to get help. These are just a few things we can do to help save lives,” stated Katie Baxter, Community Mental Health Program Manager for Project AWARE, Fremont County School District #1. “We all struggle at times, but we are often so hard on ourselves…we need to be better at knowing when to speak up and let others in…there’s no shame in that. Asking for help is the new “cowboy tough.” To anyone going through a tough time – you are not alone; there are resources available, people out there who understand, truly care, and want to help. Hope is real and recovery is possible, please don’t give up.”
