August 13, 2013, changed our family forever,” said April Thompson. It is the day the Thompson family lost their beloved son and brother, Joshua Thompson, to suicide.

Joshua was a spirited, compassionate, music and tattoo loving lifelong resident of Rock Springs. He joined the Army and was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He returned to Wyoming in 2012.

Mrs. Thompson now talks about her family’s struggle with the loss of their son in an effort to help others that are struggling get the help they need. On top of that, she hopes to help others avoid the struggle she, her family, and Joshua’s friends have gone through after his passing.

Often, there is a stigma associated with suicide, depression and other mental health issues that can prevent people from getting the help need in times of crisis. “I believe by talking about loss and raising awareness, more people may seek help,” Mrs. Thompson said.

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If you have someone you are worried about, reach out to them. Take the QPR training so that when you do talk to someone you know the right questions to ask. Sometimes it is as simple as calling someone and asking, ‘Are you ok?’ Just listening to the person is all they need at times. By listening, you can help him/her to find helpful resources.”

– April Thompson

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Sweetwater County PMO and Mrs. Thompson want to help residents learn how to identify and intervene with positive action if someone they know is struggling. Contact your local community Prevention Specialist Cassandra Crumpton to participate in a FREE, two-hour, Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training to learn how to ask a question that could save a life.

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Help Is Available

• Cassandra Crumpton can be contacted by email at ccrumpton@pmowyo.org or by phone at 307-389-7364.

• For more resources located in Sweetwater County, please visit sweetwaterpmo.org.

• For more information about suicide risks and warning signs, please visit AFSP.org.

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Sweetwater Suicide Prevention Awareness Week

“Chimes” Suicide Awareness Play

• When: Sept. 19th
• Where: Rock Springs Elk Lodge 307 C St.
• Time: 7 pm

There will be a Q&A after the show.

Open Mic Night Music & Poetry Slam

• When: Sept. 20th
• Where: T-Rex Grill WWCC Campus
• Time: 7 – 8:30 pm

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

• When: Sept. 21st
• Where: WWCC campus
• Time: Noon – 2 pm room 1302, 4 – 6 pm room 1302, 7 – 9 pm room 1309

“Inspired for Life” Wine and Painting

• When: Sept. 22nd
• Where: Holy Communion Episcopal Church on the corner of A St. and 2nd St.
• Time: 7 – 9 pm

This event is RSVP only due to limited space. Call 307-389-7364 to RSVP.

Suicide Prevention GLOW Walk for Life

• When: Sept. 23rd
• Where: Walking track on WWCC Campus
• Time: 8 – 9:30 pm

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