Wellness & Suicide Prevention: Kemmerer Progress and VTTV Coaches | WYO Steps Up to Meet POTUS Energy EOs





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"*From the Office of Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon*"











Governor Welcomes Veterans Talking to Veterans Coach Graduates at National Museum of Military Vehicles
VTTV Tight

Governor Gordon was pleased to welcome 14 new "*Veterans Talking to Veterans*" (VTTV) coaches during their graduation ceremony over the Memorial Day Weekend at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Wyoming.

VTTV_Gov Headshot_May 2025

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* [ [link removed] ] 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. [ [link removed] ]*



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Suicide Prevention: WY We Care PROSPER Training Is Helping
Slide | Panelists

As reported by *The Wyoming Tribune Eagle [ [link removed] ]*, our state has held the top spot for the highest number of suicides for many years; the very reason the Gordon administration spearheaded and continues to support the *Wy We Care Mental Health Initiative. [ [link removed] ]*

Kemmerer Suicide 3

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]*







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*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 [ [link removed] ]* , 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 [ [link removed] ].    *

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. [ [link removed] ]*

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

*The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) [ [link removed] ]*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. [ [link removed] ]*

The WDH also offers *Evidence-Based Prevention Programs & Services [ [link removed] ]* for communities and professionals.







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Wyoming Poised to Meet POTUS Nuclear Power Executive Order
Terra Group Shot_ May 2025

As every Wyomingite knows, the Cowboy State is synonmous with the term "Energy Leader". Governor Gordon's all of the above energy policies, advocacy, and marketing efforts have helped Wyoming maintain solid standing even during the Biden administration's anti-energy overreach efforts. 

Luthi & Meyer_Terra_May 2025

The Governor visited TerraPower's Natrium Plant this month *for a briefing with TerraPowe*r [ [link removed] ]'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* [ [link removed] ] 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. [ [link removed] ]*







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Honoring Chief Justice Fox
Chief Justice Fox

Governor Gordon attended a special session of the Wyoming Supreme Court honoring Chief Justice Fox on her retirement. He  thanked Justice Fox for her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering respect for the judiciary and the rule of law during her 11 years on the bench. He also welcomed the new Chief Justice, Lynne Boomgaarden. 




IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
On Brand Screen Shot Graphic
* *On Brand: Social Media, Individual Property Rights and Wind Energy* [ [link removed] ]
* Wyoming's Unemployment Rate *declined in April  [ [link removed] ]*
* Game and Fish names *Landowners [ [link removed] ] of the Year [ [link removed] ]*
* The Property Tax Refund Program filing deadline is *Monday, June 2. [ [link removed] ]*





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"In addition to TerraPower’s efforts to support reestablishing a domestic nuclear supply chain, they have clearly been focused on moving forward without delay on constructing the facilities." - "Governor Mark Gordon"

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