August 9, 2023 |
Photo – Suicide Hotline Poster – Courtesy health.wyo.gov
Governor Mark Gordon, this week, marked the one-year anniversary of the Wyoming-based 988 Suicide Lifeline Service.
In July of last year, Wyoming was among the first states that transitioned to the simplified 988 number for suicide lifeline services.
The state began offering the full-time, Wyoming-based coverage 24-hours-a-day, every day, last July.
One year later, Governor Mark Gordon commemorated the anniversary, saying that the 988 service and Wyoming-based crisis counselors are making a difference in reaching more individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Suicide is a significant issue in Wyoming. In most years, the state has the most suicides per capita of any state most years. Governor Gordon has put an emphasis on shoring up Wyoming’s mental health care.
During the 2023 Legislative session, Governor Gordon signed House Bill 65 establishing the 988 system for suicide prevention. The Legislature did not establish a permanent funding source for the lifeline. It is currently funded through June, 2025 primarily with federal COVID emergency funds.
