September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, a time for our community to remember those we’ve lost, raise awareness, and extend compassion to families facing the unimaginable.
Here in Fremont County, the Suicide Prevention Taskforce (SPxTF) maintains the Family Assistance Fund (FAF) to help families after the loss of a loved one to suicide. While prevention is always the ultimate goal, this fund ensures that when tragedy does occur, families don’t have to carry every burden alone.
What the Fund Covers
In the aftermath of a suicide, families may face sudden and unexpected expenses:
- Biohazard cleanup in the home (averaging $1,900, but sometimes as high as $3,000)
- Temporary lodging and meals while the home is being cleaned (often about $280 per day)
These are practical but overwhelming needs, arriving at a time when families are in shock and struggling to make decisions. The FAF helps cover these costs, offering dignity, compassion, and relief when it matters most.
Historically, the fund has been used sparingly, often because grieving families don’t realize help is available until later. But the need is real, and one case could deplete the fund’s balance.
That’s why, throughout September, local businesses are stepping up to help. Donation jars will be available at:
- Precision Outdoor Power
- The Print Shop
- Jerry’s Flowers & Things
- Meadowlark Books
- Twice But Nice
Every dollar donated stays right here in Fremont County to support families in crisis.
Wyoming has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, and Fremont County continues to feel the weight of this reality. By supporting the Family Assistance Fund, we’re sending a powerful message: no one should have to face loss and financial hardship alone.
This Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, please consider donating, spreading the word, and learning more about the work of the SPx Taskforce. Together, we can bring both hope and practical help to families when they need it most.
For more information, visit:
👉 Fremont County Suicide Prevention Taskforce on Facebook
👉 FremontCountyPrevention.com
👉 sprc.org for national resources
👉 Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support
