State suicide prevention

Suicide is the leading cause of preventable death in the State of Wyoming, however, there are resources that are available for those contemplating suicide as well as those who have been touched by the tragedy.

The suicide rate in Wyoming has exploded, going from 17 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2004 to 24 deaths per 100,000 in 2016. On average, in Wyoming, one person dies from suicide every two days.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, of course, call 9-1-1.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, talking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text WYO to 741-741 for the crisis text line.

A Youth Risk Behavior Surveillans System study of high school students across the state shows 20.3 percent of Wyoming’s high school students (2015) have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. More than 18 percent have actually made a plan how to carry out their suicide and 11 percent actually made the attempt.

Of those who made the attempt at suicide, 4 percent actually needed medical treatment.

Thirty percent of Wyoming’s high school students suffer from depression or hopelessness.

Wyoming has a goal of reducing the annual suicide rate 20 percent by 2025.

Other goals include developing a broad-based support system for suicide prevention, implementing training for recognition of at-risk behavior and delivery of effective treatments and increase key services.

If you are interested in helping with this goal, you can become a suicide preventionist with training through the Wyoming Department of Health. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainings are free.

If you have questions regarding suicide prevention trainings, please call 307-777-2923 or contact Sarah Spafford at sarah.spafford@wyo.gov.