Gov. Mark Gordon will deliver opening remarks and take part in a morning fireside discussion during the opening of the Wyoming Suicide Prevention Symposium, set for Sept. 15-16 at the Wyoming State Capitol Extension in Cheyenne.
Gordon will be joined for the fireside discussion by Wyoming Department of Health Director Stefan Johansson, Wyoming mental health practitioner Dr. Justin Romano, and Dr. Kent Corso, founder of PROSPER, a community-driven suicide prevention and mental health training program. The discussion will be moderated by Lindsay Simineo, executive director of the Wyoming Behavioral Health Alliance.
Titled “Stronger Together: Building Networks of Hope,” the two-day symposium is hosted by the Wyoming Department of Health in partnership with the Wyoming Alliance for Suicide Prevention. It brings together professionals, leaders and community members to share best practices in suicide prevention and behavioral health care.
Gordon has made mental health a top legislative and executive priority throughout his tenure, having launched and led the multi-branch WY WE CARE initiative aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking through local care pathways, including the 988 Lifeline.
“Mental health is not a political issue; it is a human issue that touches every family in every corner of our state,” Gordon said. “Through the WY WE CARE initiative many individuals and organizations have come together to create a proactive network of hope. Healing begins when we remove the stigma, have the conversation and equip every citizen with the tools to listen, connect, and save lives.”
While the symposium itself is sold out, the public is encouraged to attend the fireside discussion and a Suicide Prevention and Awareness proclamation signing that follows. Both take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 15 at the Wyoming State Capitol Extension, lower level, 200 W. 24th Street, Cheyenne.
Ahead of the symposium, the Wyoming Department of Health is offering a full-day Soul Shop workshop designed to equip faith community leaders and congregations to minister effectively to individuals and families affected by suicide. The workshop includes the creation of worship resources, training in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and guidance on inviting people who have experienced suicidal ideation to share their stories. Lunch and materials are included with registration.
During the symposium, PROSPER will facilitate a specialized public training built on modern suicidology and five decades of clinical research. The program teaches participants to recognize behavioral shifts, ask directly about suicide, listen without judgment, and safely connect people to resources. As part of the WY WE CARE initiative, PROSPER has trained more than 4,000 Wyoming residents in both in-person and online sessions statewide.
By: BSB News wire