Jackson VA leads charge in suicide prevention efforts during Inaugural Suicide Prevent Summit
By Camille Weston, Public Affairs Officer
For the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, suicide prevention is more than a program; it is a promise.
On Sept. 12, 2025, the Jackson VA hosted its inaugural Suicide Prevention Summit at the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University, launching what will become an annual effort to strengthen partnerships and save lives.
The summit’s theme, “Suicide Prevention is Everyone’s Business,” guided a day of collaboration and action. Veterans, families, caregivers, VA staff, and community leaders came together for plenary sessions on VA Suicide Prevention and Postvention Efforts, Community Partnerships and the Compact Act, and Understanding and Treating PTSD. Breakout sessions provided opportunities to address Homeless/HUDVASH, Mobile Crisis Response, Community Engagement, and Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health.
Partnerships in action
The summit highlighted VA’s top clinical priority: ending Veteran suicide. Experts from VA, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Hinds Behavioral Health Services, and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health shared resources and strategies to better connect Veterans and families with life-saving care.
“Suicide prevention remains VA’s top clinical priority, and this was an important opportunity to partner with community and non-profit organizations who share the goal of ending Veteran suicide,” said Michael Renfrow, Executive Director of the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center.
A shared responsibility
Throughout the day, participants emphasized that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.
“Preventing suicide takes all of us—Veterans, families, providers, and community partners,” said Dr. Timothy Neyland, Mental Health Supervisor. “This summit gave us the opportunity to share resources, build stronger partnerships, and commit to saving lives together.”
Looking ahead
The inaugural summit drew a strong turnout, with participants engaging in meaningful discussions, connecting with resources, and exploring solutions to meet the needs of Veterans and their families. Lunch, refreshments, and informational exhibits created opportunities for networking and collaboration.
The Suicide Prevention Summit was more than a one-day gathering. It was a call to action and a commitment to ensure no Veteran is ever alone.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.