EVANSTON — Some community members met at Bear River State Park on a 10-degree evening last month to take a moment to pause and remember those who have taken their own lives, and the loved ones they have left behind.

“We don’t want to lose anymore Wyomingites to suicide,” said one of the event organizers, Kimberly Lahm. The candlelight vigil was organized by the Uinta County Suicide Prevention Task Force.

The local task force was created four years ago when Wyoming led the nation in deaths by suicide. That same year it was found that within the state of Wyoming, Uinta County had the highest suicide rate. 

Many of the individuals serving on the task force have been personally touched by suicide. Others have joined to learn what they can do to help the people in their lives who are hurting.

Mary Hipol, co-chair of the local force, said, “I just wanted to know what to say and the trainings helped me feel comfortable about knowing what to do.” 

The candlelight vigil was held to help local community members heal from their losses and to raise suicide prevention awareness locally. 

In her remarks at the vigil, Lahm said, “Today is often seen as a day of grief for those who remain after a loved one has been lost to suicide but this day holds a special meaning to those of us whose lives have been touched by suicide, whether we have survived our own suicide attempt, are struggling with our own thoughts of suicide or have been left to pick up the pieces after someone we love has taken their own life.” 

In September of 2017 the task force hosted its fourth annual walk. Organizers are always looking for new volunteers and local participants. Those interested in getting involved should attend the organization’s monthly meeting, held on the third Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Evanston Police Department (starting in January) or like and follow the Uinta County Suicide Prevention Task Force page on Facebook.