Mental health services available in wake of tragedy

It’s no secret that the unfolding of information about the tragic events that occurred in Byron has rattled many community members to their core over the past two weeks. According to Big Horn County Prevention Alliance coordinator Travis Sylvester, help is available for those struggling with feelings following this horrific event that happened so close to home.

In particular, a special program is available now through December 30, 2026, that makes licensed Wyoming mental health professionals available for up to six counseling sessions, with the cost covered through vouchers, less applicable insurance. The program is funded through the governor’s office. It is intended to help those in the agriculture, rodeo and farming communities.

Sylvester said it was his understanding that many, if not most, living in Big Horn County are eligible for the funding. For more information regarding eligibility contact Sheila Ricley at sricley@thealignteam.org. Sylvester said many licensed counselors in the area are also able to help their patients apply for the vouchers.

In cases of suicide ideation, Sylvester recommends calling the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Callers to the 24-hour help line are connected with resources specific to the physical location and needs of the caller. Though the alliance does not pay directly for counseling services, it does provide a list of about a dozen available resources on its website, some designed specifically to help people living in rural areas at www.bighornprevention.com.

In an area like Big Horn County, where crime is relatively low, a violent incident like the one that took place in Byron is shocking to most.

“This incident was devastating for just about everyone in the county,” said Sylvester, who grew up in Greybull.

He emphasized the importance of taking people seriously who exhibit signs that they are in crisis.

“Mental health is a very real thing. It’s not fleeting,” he explained. “Taking it seriously is important. Sure, sometimes you can just go to sleep and it’s over in the morning, but a lot of times professional help is needed. Asking for help is OK, and things can get better with help in many cases.”

He noted that grieving after an event of this magnitude is not something that passes quickly. He said local support is critical and can be especially helpful in a small town “where everyone knows everybody.” He said it is a reminder of how important it is for people to check in on one another, especially in a sparsely populated rural area like Big Horn County where it’s easy to feel isolated. He said this is especially true during a time of grief. He added that news of the tragic event in Byron has left many emotionally shaken, whether they knew the people involved or not.

“We want people to feel supported and comfortable,” he explained. “I know this is the first week following (the incident) and we plan to increase our presence over the next four or five weeks to help in any way we can. It’s a big story today and, of course, some people will move on, but that’s not always how grieving and mourning work. There are people who may feel OK now but, in a few weeks, won’t feel so great. We want people to know that help is available, so they don’t isolate.”

Sylvester noted that the local suicide prevention program called VOS is in the process of being reinstated to help people directly who may be contemplating suicide.

“We are literally in the final mile of getting that up and going again,” he said. “That is a program that will be re-established as early as this month. People will be helped with or without VOS though, and I feel confident in saying that all of our partners (local hospitals, mental health providers and law enforcement) are committed to supporting people even before the program is up and running again.” 

Sylvester said, if the situation is urgent, individuals should present themselves to the emergency room at the nearest hospital or call local law enforcement. They can also call the 988-crisis hotline for support.

“The hotline has a whole myriad of resources available that they can connect people to,” Sylvester explained. “Oftentimes just knowing someone is there to help can prevent tragedy.”