More than 65 residents, including Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, gathered at Byron Town Hall on Tuesday evening to address mental health awareness, grief support, and suicide prevention, Q2 Montana’s News Leader Billings reports.
The meeting was organized in response to the recent tragedy in which a mother, Tranyelle Harshman, and her four daughters lost their lives in a murder-suicide.
The event drew a full house of residents, mental health professionals, and local officials, all grieving the loss of Harshman and her young children. Byron Mayor Allan Clark, who personally knew the family, emphasized the need for open conversations about mental health.
“This has been the hardest thing that Byron, Wyoming has ever experienced,” Clark said. “Mental health is a huge issue in this area, and it’s good to see that there are resources available.”
Representatives from several mental health organizations, including the Oxbow Center, Remember This Ranch, and AllOne Health, were present to offer guidance and share available resources for those in need.
Dey Lynn Stebner, Chief Program Officer of the Oxbow Center, highlighted the importance of seeking support during difficult times.
“We are a community, and to build those bonds of relationships, to reach out, to ask for help—it’s actually a strength,” Stebner said.
The Oxbow Center provides a range of services, including counseling, addiction recovery, a 24-hour crisis helpline, and a virtual walk-in clinic. Stebner encouraged anyone in crisis to call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate assistance.
Briana Barker, a friend of Harshman and an advocate for postpartum mental health, attended the meeting to emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing postpartum depression.
“When someone is struggling with depression or postpartum, they should feel comfortable saying, ‘Hey, I need help,'” Barker said.
She is involved with Postpartum Support International, a group dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources to prevent similar tragedies.
Barker stressed that the conversation about mental health and family support must continue beyond this event.
“This doesn’t stop today. There are still families that need help, and I hope we continue to support each other as a community,” she said.
Even beyond the meeting, signs of community solidarity were visible just a few blocks away at the Harshman residence. A growing memorial of teddy bears, flowers, and candles lined the front of the home, placed by neighbors and friends as a tribute to the family.
“It’s important that we stick together and show affection, show that we care,” Mayor Clark said.
