New Suicide Prevention Program Teaches Positive Mental Health Strategies

MAY 20, 2025 |

Photo – Sources of Strength statistic page – Courtesy Carbon County Public Health

Carbon County Public Health is preparing to implement a new community-based suicide prevention program.

Last summer, Bigfoot99 spoke to Carbon County Public Health Community Prevention Specialist Rachel Swanson about Sources of Strength, a suicide prevention program that focuses on evidence-based methods to teach positive mental health strategies.

Since then, Swanson has continued working to establish Sources of Strength in Carbon County. Speaking to Bigfoot99 this week, Swanson explained while Sources of Strength is a suicide prevention program, its primary focus is on eight key factors which promote support and security rather than solely on suicide itself.

Swanson reported that schools who have implemented Sources of Strength initiatives have seen a 29% decrease in suicide attempts.

To increase the accessibility of the mental health program, Swanson is asking business owners and local organizations to become Sources of Strength partners.

On April 25^th, Swanson held an informational meeting in the Platte Valley Community Center, with the goal of motivating local individuals and businesses to get involved with the program. The Community Prevention Specialist said 15 people attended the meeting, many of whom are ready to put the suicide prevention program into action.

Local business owners affiliated with the program can choose to host meetings at their establishments. Swanson said becoming a Sources of Strength advisor is an easy process.

Swanson said she is certified as a Sources of Strength local trainer, allowing her to personally instruct the first group of advisors. After the first class has been trained, Swanson and the advisors will host a large community event to introduce the suicide prevention program to the Platte River Valley.

Swanson said she is currently limiting her focus to the Platte River Valley. If advisors can be found outside of Saratoga and Encampment, Swanson said she would be happy to train them in the Sources of Strength program.

If you have any questions about Sources of Strength, or would like to volunteer to become an advisor, call Rachel Swanson at 328-2607.