NOTE: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.
CASPER, Wyo. — Gov. Mark Gordon recently announced that Wyoming is moving forward with its WY We Care mental health initiative, which emphasizes systemic steps to improving mental healthcare in the state.
The WY We Care initiative, announced earlier this year, is the culmination of a collaboration between the three branches of state government, local community teams and private-sector providers. This initiative aims to reduce Wyoming’s suicide rate, improve access to behavioral health services and strengthen the state’s behavioral healthcare workforce
“Our work is far from complete,” Gordon said. “We must come together in our homes, our schools, our faith-based communities, businesses and clubs to make it clear — it’s OK not to be OK.”
Gordon made the announcement at the Casper Rotary Club’s Monday meeting.
The next phase of the governor’s suicide prevention efforts is now underway, as select counties will participate in a community suicide prevention program through the PROSPER Project.
PROSPER represents over five decades of research into optimal strategies for suicide prevention and intervention, dynamically integrating contemporary suicidology findings. The primary objective is to reduce suicide risk through strength-based, culturally adaptive education, empowerment and community engagement, Gordon said. He stressed that this is not a one-size-fits-all program and is instead tailored to meet the unique needs of each community.
Gov. Gordon is finalizing plans for another annual Mental Health Summit, having also hosted them in 2022 and 2023.
