Suicide prevention
If you're a Veteran who is thinking of hurting yourself—or you know a Veteran who’s considering this—we can help. Our VA Albany health care suicide prevention coordinators can get you the support you need. They work with our behavioral health providers and community organizations to assist Veterans who are managing emotional or mental health crises.
Care we provide at VA Albany health care
- Suicide prevention care coordinators
- Suicide prevention case managers
- Gun safety locks
How do I talk to someone right now?
Connect with a Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Our suicide prevention coordinator can help you get ongoing support, like counseling and other services. Coordinators are available during regular business hours and can be reached by emailing our Suicide Prevention Team at:
VHASPCNY-528A8ALNSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov.
You may also contact the Stratton VA Suicide Prevention program coordinator below.

Michele Woodcock
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Social Worker
VA Albany health care
Phone: (518) 626-5167
Email: michele.woodcock@va.gov
Community Engagement and Partnership program (CEPP)
The program focuses on identifying at-risk service-members, Veterans and their families; increasing screening for suicide risk, promoting interaction and improving care transitions, as well as increasing safety and safety planning to promote healthier outcomes. This is accomplish through Coalition Development and Management, Community Education and Community Engagement.
Stratton VA's CEPP covers 18 counties (Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Fulton, Montgomery, Clinton, Otsego, Franklin, Schoharie, Essex, Delaware, Hamilton, Greene, Warren, Columbia, Washington and Ulster). It's important to note that VA has a CEPP based out of every VA Hospital across New York State.
You may contact the Stratton VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinators (CEPC) coordinator below.

Jennifer Stiletto Smith (formerly Curatolo) LCSW-R
Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention
VA Albany health care
Phone: (518) 248-0824

Michelle Chavarria LCSW
Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention
VA Albany health care
Phone: 518-421-6576
Email: Michelle.Chavarria@va.gov