The Diocese of Wyoming has set aside $100,000 for suicide prevention training over the next year, according to a report by WYO4News.
The Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and the Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming recently announced a new initiative to promote suicide prevention training across the state.
For the past three years the Diocese and the PMO have worked closely together to promote a faith-based approach to suicide prevention in communities across Wyoming.
When drastic budget cuts during the last legislative session resulted in the loss of funding for suicide prevention, the Episcopal Diocese stepped up to the plate. Through its nonprofit foundation, the Diocese earmarked $100,000 for suicide prevention training over the next year.
As noted by the Right Reverend John Smylie, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, “Suicide prevention is a core social issue for the Church and we felt compelled to take action to ensure these lifesaving efforts continue. As a community of faith, we pray our support and outreach will help end the epidemic of suicide in this state and comfort those affected by suicide, both within the Church and in our communities.”
Information on the training is available at the diocesan website, which states
We are not here to condemn those who die by suicide, but rather to offer hope and acceptance to those who are impacted by this tragedy.
We can do this by changing how we talk about depression and suicide.
Read more at WYO4News and the Diocese of Wyoming website.
Featured image: still from “Our Youth and Suicide,” a video on the Diocese of Wyoming website