‘Let’s Talk Wyoming’ Targets Mental Health and Substance Use on the Job

A new campaign called Let’s Talk Wyoming is taking aim at substance use and mental health struggles in some of the state’s toughest workplaces — from oilfields and mines to construction sites and mountain resorts, Buckrail reports.

Designed specifically for heavy industry workers, the campaign focuses on people in jobs that see higher rates of substance use and suicide, including:

• Construction;
• Energy and extraction;
• Mining;
• Heavy equipment operation;
• Mechanics;
• Truck drivers;
• And more.

In places like Jackson Hole, that also means seasonal crews working long, high-risk hours: snow removal, avalanche control, ski patrol, search and rescue and high-volume service industry work.

These jobs often come with irregular schedules, long shifts, isolation, intense physical labor, extreme weather and higher risks of injury or fatal accidents — all of which can take a toll on mental health.

Let’s Talk Wyoming was created to:

• Increase safety;
• Improve workplace culture;
• Prevent substance use;
• Support overall health and wellness.

A big piece of the campaign is tackling stigma — making it clear that talking about mental health, stress or substance use is not weakness.

The Community Prevention Coalition of Teton County says the message is simple: One conversation can change everything. You’re not alone. Talk it out.

The campaign offers free resources in English and Spanish at letstalkwy.org, including:

• Workplace safety videos;

• Talking points and information on:

  • Alcohol;

  • THC and marijuana;

  • Opioids;

  • Stress and wellness;

  • Coping and resilience;

  • Suicide prevention.

These tools are meant for employers, supervisors and workers alike — anyone who wants to make their workplace safer and more supportive.

For people in Teton County and beyond, there are several ways to get support:

• Network of Care – Public Health – Workforce
  A directory of health and human services in Teton County.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support for mental health or substance use crises.
• Local crisis line – Jackson Hole
  Call (307) 733-2046 to reach a trained mental health therapist 24/7 through Mental Health and Recovery Services of Jackson Hole.
• Safer drinking guide
  Check out JH Responsible Sip Tips 0.0.1.3 at tetoncommunityprevention.org for practical tips on lower-risk alcohol use.

Whether you’re running a dozer, working night shifts at a resort, or managing a crew, Let’s Talk Wyoming is about making sure you don’t have to handle the hard stuff alone.