County and its hospitals receive grant in support of VOS program

A new collaborative effort between North Big Horn Hospital, Three Rivers Health and Big Horn County has been awarded the Wyoming Healthcare Based Suicide Prevention Grant. 

The funding will expand and support the Visual Observation Specialist (VOS) program that provides critical training and resources to paid volunteers who care for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The VOS program trains healthcare staff to provide dedicated, one-on-one observation and support to patients in crisis. This additional layer of care not only enhances patient safety but also strengthens the continuum of mental health services across the region.

“We’re excited and thankful to have this additional resource to further train and build out the VOS program for our patients and community,” said Michael Henley, director of nursing at North Big Horn Hospital. “Mental health and crisis response are key elements of care that we provide to the community, and this support allows us to expand our capacity to help individuals in their most critical moments. 

“I think that the collaboration with Three Rivers Health, the sheriff’s department and the 988 hotline shows that we are working to improve mental health services not only as an organization, but as a county.”

The Big Horn County commissioners also praised the partnership: “We’re happy to see such strong collaboration across hospitals and the county to enable this program. It not only helps to create another layer of support for community members in a time of crisis, but it ultimately saves taxpayer dollars and extends our ability to support and reach more people across the county.”

Travis Sylvester, Big Horn County prevention specialist, highlighted the importance of collaboration and long-term vision.

“Working with the leadership on this project has been a great experience,” said Sylvester. “This program, and the groundwork that was laid over a decade ago by Sheriff Blackburn and others involved, is a model that can and should be replicated in other rural communities. This additional funding and support will give us the chance to demonstrate the incredible impact, cost savings and expansion of capacity that the VOS program delivers.”

Training sessions are planned in the months ahead. 

Participants will be compensated $50 for their attendance.

This healthcare-based suicide prevention initiative underscores the power of local collaboration and innovation in addressing Wyoming’s pressing mental health needs. By working together, North Big Horn Hospital, Three Rivers Health and Big Horn County are taking meaningful steps to improve safety, expand resources and support individuals in crisis.