VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators Work With Community Groups to Expand Reach

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides suicide prevention support to both VA facilities and community organizations to reach veterans whether they use VA services or not, VA News recently reported.

“By providing community-based and veteran-centric organizations with suicide prevention resources, we increase the chances of reaching veterans and their supporters where they are,” wrote Matthew Miller, executive director of suicide prevention in the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Suicide prevention coordinators at VA medical centers across the country are encouraged to connect with local community groups, businesses, and academic organizations to share VA materials and resources, Miller explained. Coordinators can speak about suicide risk, protective factors, military culture, safe storage of firearms and medication, the Veterans Crisis Line, and other resources. Additionally, they can share best practices for suicide prevention.

“Suicide prevention coordinators are always looking for ways to spread the word about VA suicide prevention,” Miller wrote. “They also provide information on how to access resources so they can reach the most veterans with potentially lifesaving information.”

Coordinators can provide organizations with free cable gun locks, medication storage boxes, promotional items featuring Veterans Crisis Line contact information, as well as details on how to help veterans enroll and access care through the VA system.

“I’ve spoken to a few of them about their work with local organizations, and I can tell you they are passionate about helping veterans,” Miller wrote.

Reference

Miller M. Communities help with Veteran suicide prevention. VA News. March 13, 2024. Accessed March 27, 2024. https://news.va.gov/129297/helping-raise-awareness-suicide-prevention/