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Birmingham VA’s Suicide Prevention Summit Educates & Informs

suicide prevention summit photos
By Birmingham VA Health Care System, Public Affairs Office

The Birmingham VA Health Care System hosted the Pathways to Resilience: Suicide Prevention Summit and Resource Fair as part of its ongoing efforts to educate and inform the community and partners about the importance of suicide prevention.

The event aimed to promote socialization, engagement, and support for Veterans and their families, providing valuable information on available resources and services.

Held on September 27, at the Birmingham East VA Clinic, the summit featured a series of educational seminars led by subject matter experts. Topics included suicide prevention, mental health resources, treatment options, therapy programs, Whole Health, grief support, and family services. These sessions were designed to address the critical needs of Veterans and their loved ones, offering insights and practical advice to help foster resilience and well-being.

Approximately 40 participants attended the classroom sessions, which focused on mental health treatment, intimate partner violence, and family support. The event also included a resource fair, with over 15 tables providing valuable information to around 25 attendees.

Thanks to a $1,000 donation by Knights of Columbus Council 9862 and Assembly 3238, we were able to provide breakfast and lunch for Veterans and caregivers who attended.

Dr. Traci Solt, Acting Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Health & VA Integrated Veteran Care, joined the event as a guest speaker, delivering a message of hope and emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma and expanding access to mental health services. Her speech underscored VA’s commitment to year-round suicide prevention efforts, highlighting resources such as the Veterans Crisis Line (988).

The Birmingham VA Health Care System remained dedicated to fostering community connections and ensuring that Veterans and their families felt supported. The summit reinforced the message that suicide prevention is a collective effort, requiring the involvement of the entire community.