Someone dies by suicide in Wyoming every three days, according to accredited school suicide prevention specialist and student assistance coordinator for Campbell County School District, Katie Jacobson.
In order to provide Wyoming residents with better suicide prevention techniques and training, as well as increase prevention efforts, Governor Matt Mead will be hosting the second annual Suicide Prevention Symposium.
“Governor Mead believes we need to do a better job in Wyoming working to prevent suicide,” Special Council to the Governor Richard Barrett, said. “One of the challenges, Governor Mead says, is encouraging people to seek help for mental illness.”
According to the most recent data from the Wyoming department of Health, Wyoming is number two in the nation for deaths caused by suicide as of 2015.
“In 2013 and 2014, we had two years of consecutive reduction in suicide deaths, coming off of 2012’s all time high,” Jacobson said. “It was disappointing to see the numbers in 2015 jump back up.”
Governor Mead’s Symposium addressing this issue will be held on Wednesday, May 10 at the Little America Hotel in Cheyenne. The event is free and open to the public.
Speakers presenting at the symposium include suicide prevention therapist, Malinda Fairbanks, from Sheridan Veterans Administration Medical Center, IMPACT Care Manager, Susan Follum, Clinical Manager of Mental Health Services, Michael Bauer, Director of Statewide Suicide Prevention, Terresa Humphries, Vice President of Design, Development and evaluation at Living Works Education, Trena Anastasia and Director of Operations of Grace for 2 Brothers Foundation Rhianna Brand.
Member of the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention Craig A. Miller will be sharing his story of attempted suicide.
“Craig is a dynamic and inspirational speaker,” Barrett said. “ He talks about his journey to help others who are in that fog of depression, and suffering from hopelessness and mental health issues that would benefit from hearing his stories of hope, and the journey that’s led him to the point where he can now make a difference among the suicide prevention community.”
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among persons aged 10-14, the second among persons aged 15-34 years, the fourth among persons aged 35-44 years, the fifth among persons aged 45-54 years, eighth among person 55-64 years and the seventeenth among persons 65 years and older.
Barrett said Governor Mead believes seeking help for mental illness shows strength and determination, not weakness.
Wyoming suicide rates are about twice the national average for every 100,000 residents, Jacobson said.
The symposium will also be addressing the various groups subject to high suicide rates, including veterans, as well as specific age and ethnic groups.
Barrett said this year’s symposium on suicide is placing emphasis on both The Lived Experience, the first ever support group in the state for suicide attempt survivors and safer suicide care, involving prediction, prevention and recovery.
According to the University Counseling Center, resources for suicide prevention around campus include the Gatekeepers Lifesavers Training, a free training that teaches how to recognize the signs of suicide and take appropriate actions for prevention.
The University Counseling Center provides confidential counseling services free for all UW students, and offers an on-call counselor for after hour crises at 307-766-8989.
Additional sources for help include the Psychology Clinic in the Biological Sciences Building, the Counselor Education Training Clinic located in the Education Building and Student Health Services in the Cheney International Center.
For additional information, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
