WY Steps Up Suicide Prevention

By Renny Mackay

Laramie, WY – Wyoming has the highest suicide rate in the country and historically is well above the national average. To turn things around, the legislature created a Suicide Prevention Coordinator this year. Keith Hotle is the first person to fill the position. He says his role is to educate people about the problem and let them know it is preventable. He has a background working with the elderly and says that will guide some of his effort. Hotle says he will work hard to support local suicide prevention efforts and the already existing Suicide Prevention Task Force.