Riverton mayor proclaims September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

(Riverton, WY) – Riverton Mayor Tim Hancock encouraged local residents to “take the time to inquire as to the well-being of their family, friends, and neighbors” this week as he signed a proclamation naming September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in town.

“We have a lot of young people, especially in our community, (that) struggle with mental health,” Hancock said during a Riverton City Council meeting Tuesday. “Being aware of that, being caring towards them, helping them recognize that they’re not alone in their struggles, helping them recognize that the world is much better with them in it is, I think, something we can all do – and not not shame people for those feelings, not make them feel like they’re less, but help them get help. (That’s) something we all can do, and I think it can make a big difference.”

Resources

September is also National Suicide Prevention Month – a designation that is intended “to help promote awareness surrounding each of the suicide prevention resources available to us and our community,” this week’s proclamation states. 

“Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive, multi-level approach that encompasses strategies for prevention, early intervention, treatment, and (postvention) after a death has occurred,” the proclamation says. “Organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Wyoming Department of Health, and the Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. These organizations provide education, advocacy, and resources for those who have lost someone to suicide or who struggle themselves.”

The proclamation also included the following statistics:

• According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
• In 2022, there were 155 suicides recorded among Wyoming residents.
• Wyoming is ranked No. 4 in the United States for suicide deaths.
• The suicide rate in Wyoming has increased by 23.1 percent over the past 20 years.
• Over 90 percent of the people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition, although often that condition is not recognized or treated.

“Suicide Prevention Awareness Month can promote awareness and assist in developing and implementing strategies to improve and increase access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services and programs,” the proclamation states. “The City of Riverton supports the services available in our respective communities to address mental health issues, suicide prevention services, and programs.”