Suicide Lifeline Service Expanded to Full-Time, Wyoming-Based Coverage

Governor Mark Gordon announced Monday that the state’s lifeline services have been expanded and improved to offer full-time, Wyoming-based coverage 24 hours a day, every day. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

Gordon said Wyoming citizens experiencing a mental health crisis and potentially suicidal thoughts, can now be confident that on the other end of the line, they’re talking to someone who, as a fellow state resident, is familiar with the state and cares about the people of Wyoming. While the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been available via phone for many years at 1-800-273-TALK, calls from state residents before 2020 were taken from people outside of the state. Wyoming-based services began that year, but hours were limited due to funding availability. Full-time Wyoming-based coverage began last week. During this year’s legislative session in Cheyenne, Governor Gordon requested that the Legislature fund the service and expand its availability. 

A simplified lifeline number, (988) will become available throughout the country on July 16. At that point, calls to both the new 988 number and the existing number will be answered. More information on community-based suicide prevention resources in Wyoming can be found here.

 If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (which routes to a Wyoming-based representative) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.