One Minute Can Save a Life: Darin Westby on Mental Health and Suicide Awareness
Manage episode 435074620 series 3593996
A Conversation with Director Darin Westby: Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace
In this episode of 'One Minute Can Save a Life,' host Kent Corso speaks with Darin Westby, Director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, about the importance of addressing mental health and suicide prevention in the workplace. Westby shares the recent tragedy of a suicide within his organization and the ensuing initiatives, such as the 'Everybody Needs a Pickup Man' campaign in Cheyenne and the Wyoming Contractors Association's yellow feather stickers, aimed at raising awareness and providing support. They discuss the significance of aligning suicide prevention methods with cultural values, especially within the tight-knit, self-reliant communities in Wyoming. Both Corso and Westby emphasize the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, encouraging open conversations, and utilizing available resources like the 988 crisis lifeline.
Director Darin Westby's insights offer a valuable perspective on the crucial role that organizations play in addressing mental health and preventing suicide. By fostering open conversations, being culturally sensitive, and providing the right tools and support systems, workplaces can create an environment where employees feel safe and supported to seek help when needed.
This episode of "One Minute Can Save a Life" serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is a communal responsibility, and proactive efforts can make a significant impact on individuals' lives.
For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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4 episodes