CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has shared “encouraging” statistics to mark the one-year anniversary of the state’s adoption of the 988 suicide lifeline.
Along with the rest of the country, the Cowboy State made the switch to a simplified suicide hotline phone number in July of 2022, which grew out of the National Suicide Prevention Line.
In a press release, Gordon’s office shared that Wyoming crisis workers at 988 have taken more than 4,200 calls in the state, 99.8% of which did not require law enforcement or EMS intervention, per the Wyoming Department of Health. This represents a large increase from the 1,800 calls answered in the year before 988 was adopted as the number, “an increase that officials attribute to both increased awareness through advertising, as well as the simplified, easier-to-remember number,” the release said.
“These statistics are very encouraging,” Governor Gordon said via the release. “The fact we are receiving more calls reflects the importance of this service – and the fact that the vast majority are handled without having to rely on law enforcement or EMS underscores the effectiveness and value of the lifeline. Wyoming is taking some positive steps in addressing the issue of suicide, but there is more work to be done.”
According to data from the CDC, Wyoming’s suicide rates are among the highest in the country, with data from 2018 to 2021 putting the state in first place. In 2021, the most recent year for which data is available, Wyoming recorded 32.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
“I look forward to further useful suggestions and fruitful discussions about how Wyoming can sustainably fund this important resource going forward,” Governor Gordon said. “We are still losing too many of our neighbors.”
The 988 system has yet to establish a permanent funding source. Its funding will last through June of 2025, relying on COVID emergency funds, per the press release.
If you or someone you know is struggling right now, you can always call 988 or text TALK to 741741; both are confidential and available 24/7 every day of the year.
