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For Immediate Release
Governor Gordon Delivers Hopeful Mental Health Assistance Message, Issues Call to Action
CHEYENNE, Wyo., Nov. 5, 2025 – Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) delivered his message Leading with Hope: Mental Health and Suicide Awareness, on the One Minute Can Save a Life podcast hosted by Psychologist-Suicidologist Kent A. Corso. The Governor expressed the importance of reaching out for assistance via the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and discussed figures that depict the suicide rate declining in the Cowboy state.
According to the WY Department of Health's Injury & Violence Prevention Program, suicide trends began flattening from 2021-2024 compared to the previous three-year period of 2018-2021. While this is a welcome shift, counties such as Lincoln have experienced more dramatic decreases in suicide rates. While these rates are promising, outreach and training efforts remain a top priority.
The holiday season podcast release is intentional.
“While many of us are celebrating this time of year, it can be a very painful time for others. Maybe they’ve lost a loved one, or they are all alone,” Dr. Kent Corso said. “The more connected we are to each other, the more we are reducing all sorts of risks.”
Governor Gordon is an advocate of the Wyoming culture shift from extreme self-reliance to a personal and community mindset “it’s ok to reach-out for help.” Through the Governor’s Wy We Care Initiative and collaborative professional and community efforts — including outreach and trainings — the state continues to move toward lowered suicide rates and improved mental health.
During the podcast, the Governor emphasized value of local, trained voices staffing the state’s 988 Crisis and Suicide Awareness Line and also gave kudos to Wyoming Health Fairs co-founder and board member Bob Price for heading up a radio awareness campaign in coordination with Natrona Collective Trust.
“Mayor Max Mickelson in Rock Springs has offered for all employees he has in the city to take a suicide prevention and intervention training program, and so far over two-thirds have volunteered to take it,” Dr. Corso said, noting Department of Corrections leadership reports over 40 employees have also volunteered to take the training program.
REGISTER HERE for a free Online 90-Minute Suicide Prevention Training (Nov 20): Open to educators, faith leaders, mental and medical healthcare providers, peer support, first responders, and others interested in suicide prevention.
-END-
For more information:
Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director for Governor Mark Gordon, [email protected]
Amy Edmonds, Communications Director for Governor Mark Gordon, [email protected]
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