Governor Mark Gordon will return to Powell to host the Wy We Care: Suicide Risk Reduction Community Forum, Sept. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. The forum is a next step in the Governor’s Mental Health Initiative to advance Wyoming’s systemic approach to mental health care reform. The Wy We Care initiative is the culmination of extensive collaboration among all three branches of state government, local community teams, and private sector providers.
The initiative aims to improve access to behavioral health services and strengthen the state’s behavioral healthcare workforce. Phase one of the initiative included a series of informational outreach events — roundtable discussions, a mental health summit, and town halls — with community members, care providers, legislators, educators, and philanthropic partners over the last few years..
“After a year visiting Wyoming communities and hearing from citizens, it is time we get back around, share what we have learned, learn more, and work towards concrete solutions to make our communities stronger, get better resources for our schools, senior citizens, veterans, and farmers. We learned a lot and working together we can make a difference. No one should feel awkward about asking for help,” Governor Gordon said.
The upcoming forum is an opportunity for parents, teachers, first responders, mental health professionals, community service providers, and citizens to learn best practices for building healthy communities, suicide risk reduction, and successful intervention.
The forum will include a panel-led discussion with local front-line experts including Oxbow Center CEO Mary Johnson, Park County School District Superintendent Jay Curtis, Retired Powell Chief of Police , currently serving as Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police Executive Officer Roy Eckerdt. The forum will include a special presentation from internationally recognized suicidologist, board certified behavior analyst, and PROSPER, Founder Dr. Kent Corso, who has been contracted to provide intensive support for the Powell community.