Prevention Specialist on Ways to Curb Suicide

Wyoming was recently reported as having the highest per capita suicide rate in the country, and the state consistently finishes in the top five.

Bill Hawley, Community Prevention Specialist with the Johnson County Prevention Coalition, sat down with Sheridan Media to discuss suicide in Wyoming and in Johnson County, why it is a problem, and how changes can be brought about.

Hawley discussed some things that can be done to try to curb suicide deaths, saying sometimes its a matter of having some uncomfortable conversations that may save a life.

He said conversations are one tool for people to help a struggling individual, along with QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training.

Encouraging those people that are struggling to seek help is another piece in the puzzle to bring the number of suicides down, according to Hawley.

Hawley said it is “a punch in the gut” for those in the Prevention Coalition and others trying to make a difference when the data comes out showing Wyoming with such a high suicide rate.

It makes them wonder why this continues to happen and why their efforts seemingly don’t make a difference.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, that’s 273-TALK; or chat on-line at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The Crisis Text Line: text Wyo to 741 741