Gov. Gordon to speak on Veteran Suicide during event in Buffalo

According to the Sheridan VA, in 2020, an estimated 44,298 adults died from suicide, including 6,146 veterans. The veteran suicide rate, adjusting for population age and sex differences, translates to 57.3% greater than for non-veteran U.S. adults. Unfortunately, less than half of the veterans who die from suicide have reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for help.

The Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition in collaboration with Johnson County Public Health and the Suicide Prevention Team at the VAMC in Sheridan, will be launching the VA’s #ReachOut2Me campaign in Johnson County at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Crazy Woman Square in Buffalo. 

Bill Hawley, Johnson County Community Prevention Manager and Suicide Prevention Specialist said Reach Out 2 Me is all about building connection in communities for the veteran population while raising awareness of the 988 Suicide and the Crisis LIFELINE; Press 1 for Veterans.

Buffalo Mayor Shane Schrader invited the public to the event hoping those that can make the gathering come to show their support for those who supported the freedom of the Nation. 

Mayor S. Schrader 

Hawley wrote on the Suicide Prevention Coalition social media page that this campaign compliments the great work of the Governor’s Challenge – Suicide Prevention for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. And, the coalition is honored that Gov. Gordon has agreed to be the keynote speaker for this event.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Mayor of Buffalo, The Sheridan VA Health Care Sysytem and the Governor of Wyoming are inviting the public and all veterans to attend the launch event and participate in this effort to address Veteran Suicide in Johnson County and the State of Wyoming.

If inclement weather, the event will relocate to the gym at Bomber Mountain Civic Center in Buffalo.

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is now reachable by dialing 988, with the Veterans Crisis Line available by then pressing “1”.

Anyone concerned about a veteran can also text 838255 or visit www.veteranscrisisline.net for resources or a live chat.