JACKSON, Wyo. — The Survivors of Suicide Loss Bereavement Group will meet on Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and the first Wednesday of each following month.
There is no cost to attend this group; meetings are sponsored by Mental Health and Recovery Services of Jackson Hole and have been ongoing for many years.
According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wyoming is in the top three states for death rates by suicide, with 25.6 deaths per 100,000 total population. In Teton County, the most recent data shows 12.9 deaths per 100,000, and the Healthy Teton County (HTC) coalition has found that both English and Spanish speaking locals identify mental health issues and suicide as part of the top five highest priority health problem in the area.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon previously stated for Suicide Awareness Month this past September that, in Wyoming, “depression, isolation and suicidal thoughts are all too prevalent.” Governor Gordon acknowledges that Wyoming has “consistently had one of the highest rates of suicide in the country.”
For those interest in joining the virtual bereavement community, contact Mark Houser for log-in information at 307-690-5419 (call and text) or mhouser@mhrsjh.org.
Additional resources for survivors of suicide loss are available through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education and Alliance of Hope.
For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to call or text at 988.
