Beyond Awareness: Why Suicide Prevention Month is a Call to Action

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: a time to recognize the urgent need to address suicide in our communities, both in Wyoming and across the U.S.

At Cathedral Home, we view this month as an opportunity not only to raise awareness, but also to focus our attention on actionable solutions that improve access to care and prevention resources in our state. 

Suicide in Wyoming at a Glance

Wyoming consistently ranks near the top among states with the highest rates of suicide, number of people who experience at least one major depressive episode per year, and lowest rates of access to care. According to the 2024 Prevention Needs Assessment Survey — administered every two years to middle and high school students across the state — 14% of Wyoming students in grades 6-12 reported seriously considering suicide in the past 12 months. In some years, that percentage has been even higher.

Behind every statistic is a person—our friends, family members, classmates, neighbors, and loved ones. The reasons for Wyoming’s elevated rates are complex; geographic isolation, limited access to mental health care, prevalence of firearms, and the stigma that still surrounds seeking help all play a significant role. Though the scope of the challenge can feel overwhelming, every open conversation about mental health is a step toward progress. We believe suicide prevention must begin long before a person reaches a point of crisis. True prevention requires reshaping the way our culture approaches mental health, teaching coping and communication skills from an early age, and fostering communities that prioritize the well-being of their neighbors.

Going Beyond Awareness

Awareness campaigns are incredibly important part of suicide prevention - without understanding a problem, it's incredibly difficult to build solutions that work. But awareness isn't enough on its own.

To make measurable progress in reducing Wyoming's suicide rate, our communities need practical tools, evidence-based education, and equitable access to mental health resources.

Even with tools and training, suicide prevention is limited if individuals can't access mental health and behavioral care. In Wyoming, many people living in rural communities face a shortage of mental health providers, long waitlists, or financial and geographic barriers to care. Addressing these inequities requires investment in telehealth and internet services, sustainable funding for community-based programs, and policies that make care more affordable and geographically accessible.

Together, these components create an approach that moves beyond awareness to real, life-saving action. Awareness alone might not save a life, but paired with the right resources and support, it can.

Our Role at Cathedral Home

In the past year, CHC has launched several initiatives to strengthen mental health access and suicide prevention across Wyoming.

In May, we introduced Coaches Who Care, a suicide prevention training program that equips adults who work closely with youth to recognize warning signs, start conversations, and connect kids with support. Over three days, our clinical counselors provided free sessions for coaches, club leaders, and mentors. Participants left feeling more confident in addressing suicide directly and more aware of the resources available to protect the youth under their supervision.

In February, we rolled out the WYO Text Line, a 24/7 confidential support line offered in partnership with Crisis Text Line. This long-term resource encourages help-seeking behaviors, especially among youth, and reduces stigma around reaching out. Trained volunteer crisis counselors are available any time, whether someone is in crisis or simply needs a compassionate ear after a hard day.

 Beyond these new initiatives, prevention remains a cornerstone of what we do. Through programs like our Resource Center and the Laramie Youth Crisis Center, we continue to provide youth and families with accessible, community-based care when they need it most.

Change at Every Level

Expanding mental health care and prevention services works best when there is collaboration and sustained investment between community partners, policymakers, and service providers. No single organization, school district, or agency can tackle suicide prevention alone.

We support sustainable, long-term investment at the local, state, and federal levels for services like 988 and programs that make access to mental health care more equitable for everyone. CHC leadership understands the important role policy plays in Wyoming's mental health landscape, and advocates year-round for legislation that better serves the needs of youth and families.

We also know community collaboration strengthens impact. When nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, local businesses, and government agencies align our efforts, together we create a stronger network of prevention. Through some incredible recent partnerships—including Albany County businesses using branded merchandise to promote the WYO Text Line, and our Laramie athletic teams engaging their peers in mental health advocacy—we’re seeing how community influence can normalize conversations about suicide and mental health.

Wondering what everyday actions you as an individual can take to help create change?

• Learn the warning signs of suicide and how to start hard conversations

• Check in with friends, family, and neighbors frequently

• Normalize conversations about mental health in your family and personal life

• Support policy changes and funding that improve mental health services

We're all equipped to be helpers, no matter your role.

Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one person, one organization, or one system—it's a collective effort. For organizations like Cathedral Home, this work means continuing to expand prevention programs, strengthen partnerships, and provide education that empowers both youth and adults. For individuals, it can look like learning the warning signs of suicide, sharing crisis resources, or checking in on a friend or loved one who may be struggling. Small actions, multiplied across communities, create meaningful change.

As we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Cathedral Home remains committed to being part of the solution through education, advocacy, and direct support for Wyoming youth and families. We invite you to join us: advocate for equitable access to care, share available resources, and start conversations that help reduce stigma. Together, we can move beyond awareness to shape a healthier Wyoming.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 or text WYO to 741741 for immediate support.