Injury & Violence Prevention Program Newsletter

Wyoming Department of Health

Injury & Violence

Prevention Program

A safer Wyoming free from injury and violence.

February Newsletter

In the News

Wyoming coaches train to teach student athletes domestic violence prevention

Dozens of high school and college coaches from every corner of the state gathered Tuesday in Casper to discuss tactics.

But they weren’t here to debate offensive lines or zone defenses. Instead, they came to learn how to help their students build healthy relationships and prevent domestic and sexual violence — lessons that will last long after graduation. Continue reading here.

Injury prevention gets harder as you age. These methods help.

Baby, it’s cold outside, but even if you’re willing to bundle up and go for a run or sprint to the gym to work out, should you?

I have a meaningful exercise routine, and I have never felt better. I am still glowing from that moment a few months ago when, at the age of 59, I crossed the finish, for the first time, at the Marine Corps Marathon.

At a certain point, when you get to a certain age — say, 60, which I’ll be this month — it is not just about your willingness to exercise. Continue here.

Hope Squad Aims at Changing the Culture at School

(Gillette, Wyo.) Last year a new movement started at the Campbell County High School South Campus. The Hope Squad is a school-based peer support program that empowers selected students to take action to improve the school environment. This year, both Campbell County and Thunder Basin High Schools have active Hope Squads in which students are trained to identify suicide warning signs in their peers and to seek help from trusted adults. Continue reading here.

Seize the Awkward

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ( AFSP ), Ad Council , and TheJed Foundation ( JED ) have launched the suicide prevention campaign Seize the Awkward . This national public service campaign aims to empower teens and young adults to reach out to friends with mental health issues who may be at risk for suicide.

Observances

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month . The Wyoming Injury & Violence Prevention Program wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do as a parent to prevent teen dating violence and abuse.

About 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. One of the most important things you can do is keep the lines of communication open with your kids.

Take steps to make a difference:

Be a role model – treat your kids and others with respect.
Start talking to your kids about healthy relationships early – before they start dating.
Get involved with efforts to prevent dating violence at your teen’s school.
If you are worried about your teen, call the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522.

For more information on healthy relationships, visit: www.breakthecycle.org.

Events

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Coming to Cheyenne

Mark your calendars! ASIST training will be held at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center on March 29th and 30th. For more information or to register, please contact Sarah Spafford at sarah.spafford@wyo.gov or (307) 777-2923.

Community Clergy Training Program: Helping Veterans Access Care and Resources

The Cheyenne VA Medical Center recently received a grant to schedule training events across Wyoming and neighboring states for the Community Clergy Training Program, which aims to educate and inform clergy and community members on how to best serve veterans and service members living in rural areas. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months! For now, check out this brochure for more information about the program.

Governor's Third Annual Symposium on Suicide Prevention

Governor Mead encourages everyone interested to attend his free event. The program this year will include phenomenal speakers and a showing of the powerful documentary, "The S Word." For more information and to register, please contact Richard Barrett at richard.barrett@wyo.gov.

Little America Hotel & Resort

Cheyenne, WY

Wednesday, May 9th

8:30 AM to 5:15 PM

AARP Smart Driver™ Courses

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Wyoming Department of Health, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Safety Administration have partnered to spread the word on the AARP Smart Driver™ courses. AARP Driver Safety is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for drivers age 50 and older. For more than 35 years, this six-hour course has taught over 16 million drivers proven safety strategies so they can continue driving safely for as long as possible. Upcoming course dates listed below:

Wheatland Senior Activity Center

Saturday, February 3, 2018 9:00 AM

(307) 322-3424

Sheridan Senior Center

Saturday February 3, 2018 9:00 AM

(307) 672-2240

Eppson Senior Center Laramie

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 9:00 AM

(307) 745-5116

Casper Senior Center

Friday, March 9, 2018 9:00 AM

(307) 265-4678

Buffalo Senior Center

Saturday, March 10, 2018 10:00 AM

(307) 763-2954

For a complete listing of upcoming training's in your area or to register please visit https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/?intcmp=GLBNAV-SL-ATO-ADS

Greybull Senior Health Day

The Wyoming Department of Health Injury & Violence Prevention Program and Public Health nursing have partnered to provide a comprehensive senior health event. Join multiple care providers, such as primary care providers, pharmacists, Physical Therapists, nurses, and vision health professionals as well as driver safety experts and so much more as we focus on healthy aging. For more information contact Jamin Johnson at jamin.johnson@wyo.gov or (307) 777-2424.

Age: 55+

Fee: Free

Date/Time: April 20 ^th , 2018 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Asp Community Center, Greybull, WY

Get Involved Locally

Preventing Falls

It is the goal of the Wyoming Injury & Violence Prevention Program to promote, encourage, support, and expand the evidence based falls prevention efforts across the State of Wyoming. Currently, the falls prevention efforts have centered around two CDC evidenced based Tai Chi programs. These programs are in full swing across the state with the help and support of local partners and have seen steady community participation.

For more information on these programs or to find a class being offered in your community, please contact Jamin Johnson at jamin.johnson@wyo.gov or (307) 777-2424 . In addition, if anyone participating in a Tai Chi program has a story of success or encouragement to share, please refer them to Jamin .

Upcoming Tai Chi Classes:

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

Start: January 16, 2018

End: April 3, 2018

Every Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Location: Gottsche Rehab and Wellness, Basin, WY

Do have an upcoming event or an article you would like us to share in a future newsletter?

Contact Lindsay Martin at lindsay.martin@wyo.gov or

(307) 777-8034.