Governor Mark Gordon is returning to Powell to host the Wy We Care: Suicide Risk Reduction Community Forum, September 5th, from 6:30-8PM at the Powell High School Auditorium.
The forum is a next step in the Governor’s Mental Health Initiative to advance Wyoming’s systemic approach to mental health care reform. The Wy We Care initiative is the culmination of extensive collaboration among all three branches of state government, local community teams, and private sector providers.
The initiative aims to improve access to behavioral health services and strengthen the state’s behavioral healthcare workforce. Phase one of the initiative included a series of informational outreach events — roundtable discussions, a mental health summit, and town halls — with community members, care providers, legislators, educators, and philanthropic partners over the last few years..
“After a year visiting Wyoming communities and hearing from citizens, it is time we get back around, share what we have learned, learn more, and work towards concrete solutions to make our communities stronger, get better resources for our schools, senior citizens, veterans, and farmers. We learned a lot and working together we can make a difference. No one should feel awkward about asking for help,” Governor Gordon said.
The upcoming forum is an opportunity for parents, teachers, first responders, mental health professionals, community service providers, and citizens to learn best practices for building healthy communities, suicide risk reduction, and successful intervention.
The forum will include a panel-led discussion with local front-line experts including Oxbow Center CEO Mary Johnson, Park County School District Superintendent Jay Curtis, Retired Powell Chief of Police , currently serving as Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police Executive Officer Roy Eckerdt. The forum will include a special presentation from internationally recognized suicidologist, board certified behavior analyst, and PROSPER, Founder Dr. Kent Corso, who has been contracted to provide intensive support for the Powell community.
Suicide is a serious public health problem in Wyoming.
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, the issue impacts people of all ages and backgrounds. It is estimated that every 13 minutes someone in the United States takes their life and many more attempt suicide or have suicidal ideations.
In Wyoming, on average one person dies by suicide every two days. Suicide is the sixth leading cause of death for all ages, and the second leading cause of death for ages 15 to 44 years (2016). Suicide Rates are Increasing Suicide rates in Wyoming are consistently higher than the US rates (Figure 1). In 2016, there were 142 suicides (24 per 100,000 persons) compared with the US suicide rate of 14 per 100,000. The Wyoming suicide rate has significantly increased from 17 per 100,000 in 2004 to 24 per 100,000 in 2016.
There will be a short Q&A opportunity at the conclusion of the formal panel presentation.
