March 2024

The Wyoming Gaming Commission, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). PGAM is dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 5-8 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a crucial opportunity to engage the Wyoming community in a dialogue about the impact of gambling-related issues on individuals and their loved ones. This annual observance provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of support services for those affected.

During March, the Wyoming Gaming Commission has planned a series of impactful social media posts aimed at educating the public and fostering conversations about problem gambling.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month promotes essential awareness for individuals affected by problem gambling, as well as their loved ones. The Wyoming Gaming Commission stands behind initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Assistance for problem gambling remains readily available in Wyoming, not only during March but throughout the entire year.

For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit http://www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs. Or for the Wyoming Chapter of the Council on Problem Gambling for Wyoming resources, visit www.wyomingcpg.org.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.

Mental Health First Aid

MHFA is a comprehensive training that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use concerns among adults by teaching participants de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies.

• March 13-15, 2024 (YouthMHFA, Virtual)
• June 10-12, 2024 (MHFA, in person in Lander)
• July 17-19, 2024 (YouthMHFA, Virtual)
• March 23, 2024 (MHFA, University of Wyoming)
• April 2 & April 4, 2024 (MHFA, University of Wyoming)
• April 19, 2024 (MHFA, University of Wyoming)
• May 14 & May 16, 2024 (MHFA, University of Wyoming)

Trainings are currently offered through the Wyoming Department of Health and Wyoming Department of Education. For more information, contact Lexy Jamison (lexy.jamison@wyo.gov) or Rebekah Mauthe (rebekah.mauthe@wyo.gov). 

The University of Wyoming also offers trainings through their Wellness Center. You can sign up for trainings here.

Sign up for trainings through the UW Wellness Center here.

Gatekeepers Training

This may be the most important training you’ll ever take. Offered in partnership with the University Counseling Center as part of the “UW Lifesavers Initiative,” Gatekeepers Training teaches students, staff, faculty, and community members to help identify students at risk of suicide attempts and suicide. The interactive session provides participants with practical skills on how to intervene with a student, friend, or colleague who may be in a suicide crisis.

Mindfulness Workshop

This 4-week workshop teaches skills in mindfulness and meditation. The curriculum-based program will help you manage stress as well as find more satisfaction in your daily life. Great for beginners and experienced meditators! 

Virtual options are available Mondays, March 18th - April 8th.

You may also attend in person sessions on campus Tuesdays, April 2nd - April 23rd.

Sign up for trainings through the UW Wellness Center here..

Governor’s Mental Health Summit

Educational Series



The Educational Series takes place on a monthly basis. Please join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month during lunchtime to continue to engage in the conversation surrounding our mental health crisis.

If you haven't already, please visit our website to register for upcoming webinars or to watch the previously recorded sessions.

Would you like to host your own webinar? Fill out the form, here.

If there is a certain topic you'd like to see covered, please email us.

April 2024 Monthly Webinar

Registration is required.

Topic: Mindfulness and Self Care

When: April 9th, 2024, 12:00 PM Mountain Time

Description: In April, we will explore the importance of self-care and workplace wellness. We will be joined by Sara Flitner and Susie Markus who will be sharing their expertise related to mindfulness and self-care.

Certificates for

Professional Development available.

March 19th, 2024

11:30 am - 1:00 pm MT

Whether you are just starting out on your Zero Suicide journey or have been traveling the road for some time, this webinar reviews key implementation steps and offers suggestions for how community providers can support Zero Suicide efforts through meaningful partnerships. Brittany Wardle, MPH, CHES, Project Director, Community Prevention at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center will share lessons learned from their experiences with Zero Suicide implementation. Register here by March 18th.

Collective Call to Action



We know we cannot address our mental health crisis in Wyoming in a vacuum. None of us can do it alone. The educational webinar series and this recently formed newsletter are attempts to maintain engagement and continue the conversation around mental health in Wyoming. Please share the opportunity to subscribe with your networks. Thank you for your commitment to this work.

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