Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 |
The rate of suicide in Wyoming has dropped, but the state continues to report some of the highest numbers of self-harm in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Wyoming has historically ranked at or near the top state for suicide rates, having been number one for the last three years prior to 2022 and consistently among the top five states since 1996.
The peak year for suicides here was 2021 when 32.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. Suicide rates declined to between 26.3—28.2 since 2022.
Although the suicide rate has declined, Wyoming now ranks just behind Alaska (28.1 suicides per 100,000 residents) and Montana (26.7 suicides per 100,000 residents).
The suicide rate here has remained among the highest in the nation for the last 25 years.
Governor Mark Gordon has responded to the issue. In the last few years, Wyoming instituted a 24-7, state-based lifeline, called the 988 system.
Individuals who call the system can use English or Spanish to access free, one-on-one assistance.
Stephan Johnsen of the Wyoming Department of Health said about 90 percent of calls received at the call center are answered in Wyoming, not out of state.
Text and chat functionality, as well as geolocation, were incorporated in the system late last year.
Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program recently recognized the significant efforts being made across the state and progress made to address suicide.
In recent release, Governor Gordon said, ““September gives us a vital opportunity to continue our efforts to bring awareness, normalize help-seeking behavior, and connect individuals to life-saving resources and support. “Thanks to the thoughtful, collaborative approach taken by state agencies, local partners, and dedicated individuals, we are making strides destigmatizing the discussion and lowering suicide rates.”
The work is paying off slowly, but steadily. Following a peak in 2021 of 32.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, suicide rates since have declined to between 26.3—28.2 since 2022.
Wyoming is reported to have 26.5 suicides per 100,000 residents, just slightly behind Montana, but still down significantly from the 2021 rates, according to recent data from the CDC.
Federal officials always make a link to guns, pointing out that states with the highest suicide rates also have high gun ownership rates. Other factors likely play a role, as well, but are not included in the push to throw shade on firearms.
If you need to reach out to someone for mental health assistance, call or text 988 then press 1. You can use this website, 988 Lifeline – If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.
