JACKSON, Wyo. — September is National Suicide Prevention Month in the U.S. and the Teton County Health Department is hosting community events to help raise awareness and work to destigmatize the topic.

Suicide rates in Wyoming are double the national rate.

Free Community Training: safeTALK

  • Friday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church
  • Free half-day training in suicide alertness skills
  • Learn the four basic TALK steps: “Talk, Ask, Listen, Keep Safe,” to create a life-saving connection

You Are Not Alone Community Walk

  • Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the William T. McIntosh Stadium, Jackson Hole High School
  • The community walk aims to send the message that suicide is preventable and no one is alone
  • Expect a fun event with music, food and beverages, connection, mental health resources and giveaways

“In addition to shifting public perception, this month is used to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide,” Teton County Health Department said via press release.

If you or someone you know is struggling right now, reach out for support. You can always call or text 988 for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.