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VA Loma Linda Healthcare System hosts suicide-prevention team AMVETS ONE

People speak at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
American Veterans (AMVETS) Department of California State Commander Ross Smith joins Lisa Roybal, VALLHS Women Veterans Program Manager and AMVETS Suicide Prevention and Awareness Committee Chair, to address Veteran suicide during an AMVETS ONE tour stop at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System May 23. (Dept. of VA photo by Sarah De Boise)
By Ashley Van Dien, Staff Writer

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System hosted AMVETS ONE May 23 on their tour across America to raise awareness for Veteran suicide, share mental health resources and leave no Veteran behind.

VALLHS is proud to partner with community and Veterans service organizations to provide comprehensive mental health care and suicide prevention support for Veterans and their families.

“Today we begin a journey of hope, healing and honor,” said Ross Smith, State Commander, American Veterans (AMVETS) Department of California. “We stand together for mental health awareness. We stand together for Veteran suicide prevention.”

AMVETS ONE is a 10-city journey to highlight local resources, raise responsiveness, reduce stigma and prevent Veteran suicide. “Mental health is not a bad word. Suicide prevention is not a bad word,” Smith urged. “These are subjects that must be confronted, not just by Veterans but by their families and communities as well.”

Veterans can access a variety of mental health care services at VALLHS, including the Mental Health Access Clinic at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital for same-day mental health care. If you’re struggling with issues like PTSD, depression, grief, anger or trauma, we offer counseling and other support. Our licensed clinical psychologists and social workers provide consultation, evaluation and treatment for a range of issues that may impact mental health or emotional well-being. Confidential outpatient services include individual or group therapy for PTSD, anxiety, addiction, depression, aggression, self-harming behaviors and more.

We tailor mental health care programs to meet the needs of every Veteran. In addition to clinical psychiatry, mental health treatments and talk therapy, Veterans can build camaraderie in casual-setting peer support groups. If you’re interested in joining a VALLHS Veteran peer group with music, creative writing or recreational sports, contact Ted Peterson at 909-534-3653.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or struggling with mental health, you are not alone. It’s okay to talk about whatever’s on your mind, and VA is here for you. Reach out. Talk to a fellow Veteran, family member, friend, health care provider, or call or text the Veterans Crisis Line anytime at 1-800-273-8255 press 1, or text 838255.

Learn how to you can help S.A.V.E. someone in crisis or considering suicide S.A.V.E. Training