Tragic Ongoing Struggle with Suicide in Sheridan County

In a bid to improve the mental health support system, the Wyoming Department of Health and its partners are working diligently to enhance the operations of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This lifeline, designed to assist Wyoming residents, is a crucial resource in the face of a troubling statistic: on average, one person dies by suicide in Wyoming every two days.

The high suicide rate in the state is a cause for concern, with Wyoming's rate being double the national average. This information was shared by the Wyoming Department of Health, while the large number of suicides in Sheridan County was brought to light by Sheridan County Coroner Dr. Robert Byrd.

Sheridan County Coroner Dr. Byrd addressed the Sheridan City Council during their business meeting this week, reporting that there have been no homicides in 2025. This piece of information was also shared by Dr. Byrd.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline serves as a beacon of hope for those in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Reachable every day, all day by phone, text, or online chat, this national network of crisis centers provides support to those in need.

Two call centers within Wyoming are part of this lifeline system, although the name of the second call center remains unspecified. The lifeline is free and confidential, offering a safe space for those seeking help.

The rising suicide rates in the U.S. are at their highest since World War II, making the work of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline more crucial than ever. As Wyoming grapples with this issue, the lifeline stands as a vital resource in the fight against suicide.

While the exact average suicide rate in Wyoming every two days was not specified as to where it originated, the fact remains that Wyoming has one of the highest suicide rates per capita in the nation. As such, efforts to improve mental health support systems, like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, are of paramount importance.