One Minute Can Save A Life

This podcast episode features an impactful conversation with Jenny Hunter, a suicide loss survivor and the founder of JR's Hunt for Life. Jenny shares her journey following the tragic loss of her son, who ended his life in 2015, highlighting her commitment to supporting others affected by suicide. The episode emphasizes the importance of connectedness and open dialogue about mental health, challenging the stigma surrounding discussions of suicide. Jenny's grassroots efforts have fostered a supportive community that encourages people to ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts, reinforcing that hope can be a powerful antidote to despair. Listeners are reminded that reaching out to one another and sharing experiences can save lives and help navigate the difficult terrain of grief and recovery.Takeaways: The importance of asking direct questions about suicide to provide support and understanding. Jenny Hunter emphasizes the necessity of connectedness to foster hope among individuals. Survivor stories reveal that many people regret their attempts and wish to live. JR's Hunt for Life aims to support those affected by suicide and promote healing. Training individuals to ask about suicide can empower them to save lives effectively. Hope is critical; without it, individuals may struggle to find reasons to live. Links referenced in this episode:jlh35hotmail.comJR's Hunt for Lifetkbpodcaststudio.comFor more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For more information on Prosper, go to the website

Mental health and suicide prevention are critical issues that resonate deeply within communities, particularly in Wyoming, which has faced alarming rates of suicide for years. Governor Gordon shares his personal experiences and the importance of connecting with friends and family during times of hardship, especially if people are disinclined to seek professional help. He highlights the need for cultural change in how we perceive mental health, moving away from stigma and towards a more supportive environment where seeking help is normalized. He wraps up with a message about how the holidays are a time for widespread celebration, but many people struggle this time of year. As the conversation unfolds, Governor Gordon candidly addresses the statistics surrounding suicide in Wyoming, revealing that the state has been among the top three for the past decade. He emphasizes the need for greater awareness and community action, particularly in light of changing demographics where children and teenagers are increasingly affected. The governor challenges the notion that mental health crises are solely psychiatric issues, arguing that they are often the result of overwhelming life circumstances. His insights shed light on the necessity of shifting the narrative around mental health to one that encourages openness and support rather than stigma and silence. He advocates for a community approach, urging listeners to recognize that every individual has a role in creating a supportive environment for those in distress.The discussion culminates in the introduction of initiatives like the 'Why We Care' program, which aims to enhance mental health resources and foster a culture of caring in Wyoming. Governor Gordon calls on leaders and community members to actively engage in conversations about mental health, emphasizing that small acts of kindness and outreach can make a significant difference. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to seek help for themselves or others and to foster a culture of connectedness that can ultimately save lives. Governor Gordon's heartfelt message resonates throughout the episode, reinforcing the importance of community, compassion, and proactive engagement in addressing mental health challenges.Takeaways: Mental health awareness in Wyoming is critical due to the state's high suicide rates. Community support and engagement are essential for those struggling with mental health issues. The importance of reaching out to friends and family during times of personal crisis cannot be overstated. Cultural perceptions of toughness can prevent individuals from seeking necessary mental health help. Teaching children about mental health and safety can reduce future risks of suicide. Utilizing local resources, like the 988 suicide crisis line, can save lives in Wyoming. Links referenced in this episode:soulshopmovement.orgPROSPER Online Free Suicide Prevention Training DATE: THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 6TH, 13TH, & 20TH, 2025 [FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT, THE PROGRAM REQUIRES ATTENDANCE AT ALL THREE 2-HOUR SESSIONS]TIME: 12:00PM-2:00PM MTFor more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For more information on Prosper, go to the website

Tina and Madelyn share their poignant and personal experiences of losing a loved one to suicide, highlighting the complexities of grief and the stigma surrounding mental health professionals. Tina's partner, James, a mental health professional, took his own life without clear signs of distress, challenging the common belief that those who die by suicide always exhibit warning signs. The discussion delves into the isolating nature of grief for suicide survivors, particularly in small communities, where stigma can prevent open conversations about loss and mental health. Both guests emphasize the importance of acknowledging the deceased's life and struggles, rather than shying away from discussing them due to discomfort. Ultimately, they advocate for greater compassion and understanding within communities, urging individuals to seek mental health support and break the silence surrounding these critical conversations.Takeaways: Mental health professionals, like everyone else, are human and experience personal struggles. Grief from suicide is often compounded by stigma and isolation from the community. It’s vital to talk openly about mental health to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior. People who die by suicide often leave their loved ones with complex emotions and grief. Mental health education should be prioritized in schools to promote coping skills and conversations. Seeking help and support should be normalized for everyone, including mental health providers. For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For more information on Prosper, go to the website

This podcast episode features a crucial conversation about the pressing issue of suicide in Rock Springs, Wyoming, led by host Dr. Kent Corso and Mayor Max Mickelson. Mayor Mickelson shares his insights on the alarming suicide rates in his community, emphasizing that many individuals who take their own lives often appear to be thriving, challenging common misconceptions about warning signs. The discussion reveals the complexities of mental health, particularly how societal pressures and expectations contribute to the suicide crisis among affluent youth. Highlights include the importance of community connectedness and proactive measures to support individuals struggling with mental health challenges. As both a leader and a community member, he advocates for open dialogue, self-care, and collective action to reduce suicide risk. The discussion sheds light on the cultural acceptance of certain behaviors related to mental health, where individuals may be hesitant to acknowledge the severity of the problem until they are personally affected. Mickelson articulates the need for a shift in mindset, advocating for proactive measures that encourage individuals to seek help before reaching a crisis point. The episode also delves into the importance of fostering community ties, suggesting that creating opportunities for connection can significantly reduce the risk of suicide. Mickelson shares plans for community events designed to bring people together in informal settings, allowing for the kind of social interaction that can create a safety net for those in distress. Ultimately, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of communication and support within communities. Both Corso and Mickelson urge listeners to be vigilant and compassionate, encouraging them to check in on friends, family, and neighbors. They reinforce the message that conversations about mental health should not be shunned but embraced, allowing for a culture where individuals feel empowered to share their struggles. By addressing the issue collectively and openly, they hope to foster an environment that not only recognizes the signs of mental health challenges but actively works to support those in need. Takeaways:Suicide prevention requires community engagement and proactive measures to address mental health challenges.The presence of both life-oriented and death-oriented behaviors can complicate the detection of suicide risk.Connectedness within the community is crucial for reducing suicide rates among youth and adults.It is important for individuals to actively check on friends’ and neighbors' well-being.Cultural shifts are necessary so that self-worth is not solely tied to achievements or possessions.Striving for a balance in life, including social connections and self-care, is essential for mental health.

From Investigation to Prevention Coroner James Whipps on Reducing Suicide RatesIn this episode, Natrona County Coroner James Whipps discusses his background and role in investigating deaths, with a special emphasis on suicide prevention. He shares insights into the frequency and preventability of suicides in his community, underlining the importance of public awareness, early intervention, and community involvement. Whipps elaborates on signs and symptoms of suicidal tendencies, emphasizing the need for education and proactive measures to reduce suicide rates. He also describes his involvement in various task forces aiming to mitigate preventable deaths and highlights the shift in demographic trends of suicides towards younger individuals. The conversation touches on societal attitudes towards suicide and the critical role of resilience and coping skills training in preventing such tragedies.Meet Our Guest: Coroner James WhippsCoroner James Whipps has been the Natrona County coroner for five years and has amassed 25 years of experience in death investigation. His diverse background spans business, military law enforcement, and medical-legal death investigation. Unlike many, Whipps has taken a proactive stance on suicide prevention, driven by a mission to reduce preventable deaths.Understanding the Role of a CoronerJames Whipps elaborates on his role within Natrona County, explaining how his office predominantly investigates unnatural deaths while also dealing with natural deaths occurring outside medical facilities. As an elected official, Whipps is not only accountable for coroner business but also for integrating himself within the community to push forward his mission of preventing deaths that can be avoided, including suicides.Suicide Prevention: From Response to PreventionWhipps' journey into proactive suicide prevention began with his involvement in the Natrona County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Initially rooted in response, his role evolved as he recognized the prevalence of preventable suicides. The PROSPER initiative, which stands for the Proactive Reduction of Suicide in Populations via Evidence-Based Research, underscores his belief that addressing suicide requires more than just responding to incidents—it necessitates a comprehensive, proactive community approach.Identifying Signals and Achieving InterventionDuring the discussion, Dr. Kent Corso and Coroner Whipps highlights the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts. They reiterate that most individuals contemplating suicide display signs, albeit often cryptic, signaling their internal struggle without directly stating their intent. Common signs include expressing feelings of worthlessness or desiring death, changes in behavior, and making statements with a foreshortened future perspective.Breaking the Stigma: Suicide is Not Just a Mental Health IssueA significant portion of the podcast focuses on breaking the stigma associated with suicide. Whipps emphasizes that although mental health can play a role, suicide is a multifaceted social issue. He challenges the notion that suicidal ideation equates to having a mental health condition, arguing that societal and personal stressors often precipitate these thoughts.Raising Awareness and Community EducationAwareness and education stand out as fundamental tools in suicide prevention. Whipps shares statistical insights, revealing that Wyoming has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation and even the world. He postulates that educating the community about the signs of suicidal thoughts and encouraging intervention at crucial moments can save lives.Empowering Communities to ActThe discourse ventures into the need for community-driven solutions. The hosts discuss that even though the issue is complex and diverse, the solution lies within community involvement....

A Conversation with Director Darin Westby: Addressing Mental Health in the WorkplaceIn this episode of 'One Minute Can Save a Life,' host Kent Corso speaks with Darin Westby, Director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, about the importance of addressing mental health and suicide prevention in the workplace. Westby shares the recent tragedy of a suicide within his organization and the ensuing initiatives, such as the 'Everybody Needs a Pickup Man' campaign in Cheyenne and the Wyoming Contractors Association's yellow feather stickers, aimed at raising awareness and providing support. They discuss the significance of aligning suicide prevention methods with cultural values, especially within the tight-knit, self-reliant communities in Wyoming. Both Corso and Westby emphasize the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, encouraging open conversations, and utilizing available resources like the 988 crisis lifeline.Director Darin Westby's insights offer a valuable perspective on the crucial role that organizations play in addressing mental health and preventing suicide. By fostering open conversations, being culturally sensitive, and providing the right tools and support systems, workplaces can create an environment where employees feel safe and supported to seek help when needed.This episode of "One Minute Can Save a Life" serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is a communal responsibility, and proactive efforts can make a significant impact on individuals' lives.For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For more information on Prosper, go to the website

Empowering Communities: The PROSPER Approach to Suicide PreventionWelcome to our dedicated space where we explore innovative and community-focused strategies for reducing suicide risk. In this blog post, we'll dive into the profound work of PROSPER, a program designed by Dr. Kent Corso, a clinical psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and suicidologist. Learn how PROSPER is transforming how communities address suicide prevention, focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions rather than fear-based, short-term measures.About Dr. Kent Corso and PROSPERHi, my name is Kent Corso. I'm a clinical psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and suicidologist. I help governments, organizations, and communities make sustainable strides in curbing suicide risk. About 10 years ago, I developed PROSPER, the Proactive Reduction of Suicide in Populations via Evidence-Based Research.The Unique Approach of PROSPERUniquely, we help implement prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies, which reflect the values and cultural elements of each community we assist. We aim to reduce suicide risk on a long timeline. For too many years, systems have operated on a short-term basis, using fear-based, “Better Safe Than Sorry” approaches to reducing suicides.These often result in unnecessary hospitalizations, demoralization, compromised autonomy, and the absence of real help for those in distress. PROSPER moves communities to operate not out of fear and caution, but from a place of competence and confidence. By empowering people and communities, we help individuals and families self-manage their distress, retaining the dignity and autonomy often stolen from them by fear-based suicide risk management approaches.Addressing the Root CausesProsper recognizes that suicide is not a mental health problem, it's a social one, just like poverty, homelessness, crime, or bullying. This means we can't reduce suicides by relying solely on the mental health and medical systems. Successful suicide prevention requires community engagement, cooperation, and boosting connectedness.Community Strengths and Collaborative EffortsWe have to leverage our own strengths and the power of our community. That's what this blog is all about. It is not about providing medical advice to individuals in distress but focusing on intensive, community-based grassroots efforts. We want to hear from various people who are taking the time to care about risk reduction.Join the MovementListen to our podcast and learn new insights about suicide and how to reduce it. Come see how you can be part of the solution by engaging with your community and becoming an advocate for competence, confidence, and connectedness in suicide prevention.Key Points Discussed:- Introduction to PROSPER and its origins.- The unique approach of PROSPER focuses on prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies.- The importance of long-term solutions versus short-term, fear-based approaches.- Understanding that suicide is a social issue, requiring community engagement.- Empowering communities to build competence and confidence to address suicide risk.- Emphasis on grassroots efforts and the role of community strength and collaboration.Listen to our podcast to gain new insights into suicide and how we can work together to reduce it. Learn how you can engage with your community and be part of the solution.Thank you for joining us in this pivotal movement towards sustainable suicide prevention. Let's work together to foster competence, confidence, and connectedness in our communities.For more information, visit our