Along with the 22 alumni coaches who recertified for another year of service, these veterans use trauma-informed coaching to lead their peers through the process of healing that many of our nation’s heroes face.

The VTTV Program in Wyoming offers a professional path to wellness grounded in storytelling. It is part of Governor Gordon's mental health road map, emphasizing the role of community-driven support in the journey toward healing.

Since its inception, the program has grown throughout the state and region, offering community-driven support to those grappling with the invisible wounds of war.  Wyoming's VTTV program has been nationally recognized and continues to serve our military personnel and their families with distinction.

In his remarks, the Governor honored those who do this important work, including Dr. Julie Elledge, founder of Veterans Talking to Veterans, and Col. (ret.) Tim Sheppard, Executive Director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission. 

Click here for information regarding VTTV meetings.

Nationally, research shows suicide rates among veterans has declined and there are positive steps being taken throughout Wyoming to prevent suicide. Yet "Much work remains to be done in every Wyoming community," the Governor often says.

[Inset: Governor with loss survivor panelist Malorie Bishop following her testimony regarding the suicide death of her husband, Derrick, during Kemmerer forum]

In Kemmerer, there is promising news.

During a recent suicide prevention community forum organized by Lincoln County Tobacco, Other Drugs and Suicide Prevention Director Brittany Ritter and Dr. Kent Corso, founder of the PROSPER Together , it was reported that the number of suicides in the county declined by 60% over the last year. A number that panelists including the Governor, Bishop, Ritter, Corso, Director of Pharmacy Services Lexie Scherr, former state senator and retired firefighter Fred Baldwin and Barbra Merritt, high and middle school counselor attribute to intentional and open communication and PROSPER trainings.   

According to suicidologist Corso, the myth that talking about suicide makes it worse has to be debunked. "It is actually very harmful to not talk about suicide. We talk about the importance of open communication -- starting as young as 10 years old -- in bringing suicide attempts down," he said. "When families, church groups, schools, entire communities double down with communication and trainings, the kind of promising news we're getting out of Lincoln County is the hope statewide."

Corso said that 12.4 million adults in the U.S. consider suicide each year, although only 1% make an attempt. Studies show the best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it.

If talking about suicide feels uncomfortable, where do we start?                      . 

For many, talking about suicide is very difficult. But checking in with loved ones, friends, and even acquaintances can have a significant impact on helping others feel connected; especially given findings depicting suicide as a social wellness issue vs. a mental illness issue, connection with others is valuable in reducing rates.

Panelist Lexis Scherr related that reaching out to ask people if they are "ok" has become an uplifting part of her days. She believes it has made a difference. Guidance Counsellor Barbra Merritt expressed that higher levels of communication leads to greater comfort levels in ability of students to seek and get the help they need.

Panelists credited Prosper trainings as a game changer, providing useful information and communication techniques for volunteers, healthcare professionals, and first responders. The online trainings are free of charge, and offered to Wyoming citizens statewide. All are encouraged to take the trainings --- including 90-minute and/or full day opportunities. Register for upcoming trainings here.

Where to turn in a crisis ... Immediate Danger and Intervention Resources

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is committed to addressing this urgent community health concern and is working toward creating a healthy, safe environment for all. Review the department's Wyoming Injury and Violence Prevention Program and access prevention resources here.

The WDH also offers Evidence-Based Prevention Programs & Services for communities and professionals.

The Governor visited TerraPower's Natrium Plant this month for a briefing with TerraPower's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Office Eric Williams and Director of Construction Andy Chrusciel.

[Inset Photo: TerraPower's Rita Meyer with Governor Gordon's Policy Director and Senior Energy Advisor Randall Luthi]

The Natrium project was announced nearly four years ago and was aided when the Wyoming legislature expanded existing legislation to allow advanced nuclear reactors that provide more than 300 MWe of power to be a part of Wyoming’s energy supply. 

After breaking ground just 11 months ago, TerraPower’s Natrium Plant is moving swiftly forward with construction. The Cowboy State is on the forefront of nuclear innovation, and is also poised to be a leader in the domestic uranium industry. President Trump's recently issued Executive Orders supporting nuclear energy are an important step towards helping our nation become energy independent, as well as a way to strengthen our national security. 

“Not surprisingly, TerraPower chose the energy capital of the nation to build their first Natrium plant, Kemmerer Unit 1. If you’re going to produce energy, it’s very likely you’re doing it in Wyoming,” Governor Gordon said, “With the President’s energy emergency declaration and dedication to Unleashing American Energy, nuclear power factors significantly into our plans as a nation for energy independence, abundance and strengthening national security. Wyoming and TerraPower are readying to meet demand.”

Read more about Natrium's innovative design here.