With jump in suicides, Wyoming officials and advocates push prevention

Wyoming had the highest 10-year increase in suicides in 2024 and the second-highest rate nationwide, prompting Gov. Mark Gordon and health officials to ramp up awareness and prevention efforts this month as the crisis continues to devastate families and communities across the state.

In 2023, Wyoming briefly lost its longtime position as the state with the nation’s highest suicide rate, but it has consistently ranked in the top three since. The state recorded 168 suicide deaths in 2024, up from 156 in 2023 and 155 in 2022. Men accounted for about 88% of deaths, with the majority being 80 or older, and roughly 72% involved firearms—a statistic reflecting Wyoming’s strong hunting culture and widespread household gun ownership.

A variety of factors contribute to the state’s high rates, experts say, including lack of counseling and psychiatric services in rural areas, social isolation, high poverty rates and a “cowboy up” philosophy that stresses individualism and can discourage seeking help. These challenges are compounded by Wyoming’s vast geography and sparse population, which make accessing mental health services difficult for many residents.

This month, the governor’s WY We Care Initiative hosted a series of free suicide awareness and prevention trainings, finishing with in-person sessions in Rock Springs. More than 3,000 residents have already taken such trainings through the initiative, which aims to equip Wyomingites with tools to help struggling friends, family and colleagues. “As long as people are dying by suicide, we absolutely must pull together and expand our efforts to stop it,” Gordon said in a press release.

Wyoming has established two 988 call centers staffed by trained personnel for free, confidential, 24/7 support, and funds community prevention specialists in every county. In March 2025 alone, the crisis line took 739 calls, demonstrating the critical need for these services. A statewide suicide prevention plan for 2024-2028 outlines additional measures to reverse the trend, including expanding access to mental health resources and training for health care providers.

Other efforts include a year-long radio campaign launched in January called “The Last Fence: Keeping Wyoming Neighbors Safe,” focused on older men who are at highest risk. In January alone, 69 Wyoming radio stations aired nearly 8,000 PSA broadcasts, reaching residents in rural areas who may not be active on social media. “This campaign is about meeting people where they are,” said Wyoming Health Fairs co-founder Bob Price. “For many older Wyoming men, radio remains a trusted, familiar companion.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.