Mental health services available in wake of Byron tragedy

The tragic events that occurred in Byron last week has rattled many community members to their core, but, according to Big Horn County Prevention Alliance coordinator, Travis Sylvester, help is available. 

A special program is available now through Dec. 30, 2026 that makes licensed mental health professionals available for up to six counseling sessions with the cost covered through vouchers. The program is funded through the Wyoming governor’s office and intended to help those in the agricultural, rodeo and farming communities. Sylvester said it was his understanding that many, if not most, people living in Big Horn County are eligible for the funding and added that many counselors in the area are able to help their patients apply for the vouchers.

If a person is having thoughts of suicide, 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. 

Sylvester also said that, if the situation is urgent, individuals should present themselves to the emergency room at the nearest hospital or call local law enforcement.

“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.”

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

 “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 okay 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 and more so during a time of grief.

“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 okay 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 also said that the Volunteer Observation Specialist program (VOS), a local suicide prevention program, 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. “(It) 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.” 

Although the Alliance does not pay directly for counseling services, Sylvester said it does provide a list of available resources, some designed specifically to help people living in rural areas, on its website: bighornprevention.com.

For more information regarding eligibility for counselling vouchers, contact Sheila Ricley — sricley@thealignteam.org.