Survivor and reigning Mrs. Wyoming America Carrie Bollock: “I stand where I stand today as living proof that restoration is real.”

Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) has announced the launch of the WY We Care Survivors campaign. This new effort features four powerful, firsthand stories of Wyomingite suicide survivors, all with unique backgrounds–mental health advocate, mother, veteran, master electrician– determined to destigmatize mental health struggles and highlight the life-saving power of connection.

Leading the debut is Carrie Bollock, the reigning Mrs. Wyoming America and a dedicated mental health advocate. Through her platform, “Restored by Faith,” Bollock shares her personal journey from a moment of total crisis to a life of purpose and restoration.

In a recent podcast discussion regarding the state’s wellness efforts, Governor Gordon emphasized the importance of shifting the narrative around mental health.

“Why I’m so encouraged is it changes the tenor of the conversation away from, ‘We shouldn’t talk about this, it’ll give bad ideas,’ to, ‘Wait just a minute. We’re getting stronger, we’re getting healthier, we’re doing that preventative maintenance that is so key,’” said Governor Mark Gordon.

In her featured narrative, Bollock recounts a pivotal chapter of her life that began in an emergency room and led to a mental health ward. She describes the profound impact of seeing her community—from her parents and friends to local first responders—step in to provide a lifeline.

“I stand where I stand today as living proof that restoration is real,” said Carrie Bollock. “Every single person God placed on that path was a thread pulling me into restoration through connection, where I would soon realize purpose in life. Even when life shatters us, God can rebuild what was broken and reveal purpose through every struggle. But it takes all of us to speak up, to show up, to be there for one another.”

Bollock, host of Wellness Wednesdays on 102.7 The PEAK, emphasizes that mental wellness is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination.

“Healing and restoration is something we live every single day, one choice, one conversation, one reached out hand at a time, and strength is not silence. Strength is connection. If you take one thing from my story, let it be this: You are seen. You are valued. You are worth fighting for.”

 Info and Registration for FREE online and in-person trainings

The WY We Care Survivors campaign encourages residents to check in on neighbors, friends, and themselves. It serves as a central pillar of the Governor’s broader WY We Care initiative, which aims to streamline resources and foster a culture of wellness across the state.

The Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP) is also partnering in the WY We Care Survivors Campaign, by supporting the power in talking through what can sometimes be tough situations and conversations.

To further support these goals, the initiative highlights available training which offer evidence-based tools for residents to recognize risk and support safety. These community-driven sessions are free for Wyoming residents and have been featured inWyoming Public Media’s coverage of statewide wellness efforts.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 to connect with free, confidential support 24/7. Hope, help, and healing are within reach.

About WY WE CARE: Governor Mark Gordon’s comprehensive wellness initiative dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for all Wyomingites through community-led solutions, increased awareness, and accessible resources.