The Wyoming Ag Stress Symposium wrapped up in Casper on Thursday, drawing attendees from across the region to address the challenges of stress and mental health in agricultural communities, Wyoming News Now reports.
The two-day event was dedicated to equipping individuals with tools and strategies to combat stress, reduce suicide rates, and foster stronger community support networks.
“Communities offer that education, that training so hopefully we can create safety nets and be on the lookout for people in our communities before they get to crisis,” said Chad Reznicek, a behavioral health specialist from Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, who was one of the featured speakers at the event.
The symposium highlighted Wyoming’s ongoing battle with mental health challenges, particularly in agricultural communities that face unique stressors. Wyoming has long had one of the highest per capita suicide rates in the nation. Donna Hoffman, an organizer with the University of Wyoming Extension, emphasized the importance of changing that narrative.
“For decades, we’ve had really high per capita suicide rates, and I’d really like to see us not in first place and keep getting a blue ribbon for something we don’t want a blue ribbon for,” Hoffman said.
The event included a mix of hands-on training, brainstorming sessions, and networking opportunities. Participants took part in naloxone training to combat opioid overdoses and Comet Training, led by Reznicek, which focuses on “changing our mental and emotional trajectory.”
Reznicek praised the commitment of the attendees, noting their dedication to making a difference.
“I was really impressed with the number of really passionate and dedicated and innovative people to better serve their communities and really support agricultural producers across the state,” he said.
A central theme of the symposium was the power of collaboration. Organizers stressed that fostering connections within communities can create stronger safety nets for those in need.
“Just making sure people can work together and look at we’re stronger together and we have power in numbers… The more people that can collaborate and work together and make those connections, I think it all makes a big difference in the end,” Reznicek added.
The Wyoming Ag Stress Symposium was not only a venue for education but also a call to action. Hoffman and Reznicek hope that the tools and networks developed during the event will lead to tangible change in Wyoming’s agricultural communities, reducing stigma and ensuring support for those who are struggling.
