Lander Launches Free Community Suicide Prevention Training

Wyoming has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, averaging roughly 157 suicides per year. Sadly, Fremont County has the highest suicide rate in the state, and many residents and first responders do not have the education needed to intervene in a crisis and get a resident needed help. The director of the Lander Community Veterans Resource Center—which sees suicide awareness and prevention as a top need in the veteran community—came up with a potential solution that could help the entire Lander community: Launch a community suicide prevention education program in partnership with the Lander Community Veterans Resource Center, Fremont County Suicide Prevention, and the Casper Vet Center. The program will provide free online training and resources at LCVRC; SageWest Hospital has already donated some computers that can be used for this training, but they need upgrading. LOR’s funding will help support the purchase of upgraded technology equipment to ensure the community has access to these important trainings.