JACKSON, Wyo. — On Monday, Sept. 8, Mayor Arne Jorgensen recognized September as National Suicide Prevention Month, encouraging community members to increase their knowledge about suicide and suicide prevention.
The Town of Jackson declaration states that in 2023, over 49,000 Americans died by suicide, which is one death every 11 minutes. According to the Town, last year, 12.8 million people seriously thought about suicide, 3.7 million made a plan for suicide and 1.5 million attempted suicide.
Town wrote in the declaration that suicidal warning signs can include talking about being a burden, increased use of alcohol or drugs, feeling isolated, sleeping too much or too little and experiencing depression, rage or anxiety.
As part of the National Suicide Prevention Month, the Community Prevention Coalition of Teton County (CPCTC) has invited the public to participate in the third annual community walk for suicide prevention and awareness on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The free event will take place at the Teton County School District’s William T. McIntosh Stadium, the athletic field and track, located at 1235 Gregory Lane. No dogs are allowed on the stadium’s track or fields other than service animals. Registration is not necessary.
During the walk, there will be free food, music, creative arts, informational booths, mental health resources and “guidance on how to support friends and family members who might be struggling.”
According to the CPCTC, a “legacy remembrance tree” will be a new addition to the walk this year, where attendees can honor the lives of those lost to suicide or those who have attempted suicide. Participants can bring a photograph or token of a friend, family member or loved one to add to the tree. Stationery supplies will be provided. After the walk, the legacy remembrance tree will be displayed at the Center for the Arts through the end of September.
“This community walk is an opportunity to demonstrate our collective commitment to suicide prevention and awareness,” CPCTC said via press release. “Through unity, we can raise awareness of available resources, diminish the stigma associated with mental health challenges and foster an environment that promotes open dialogue about mental well-being.”
For those struggling, call or text 988 for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988lifeline.org. Free mental health and wellness resources can also be found at teton.crediblemind.com.
