In 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

Welcome 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.

Hi, 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.

Uniquely, 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.

Prosper 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.

We 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.

Listen 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.

- 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.

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