Union City Pharmacy first to display Suicide Prevention QR Code
The community in Union City, New Jersey is coming together to call attention to joint efforts to end Veteran suicide.
Hudson County is home to approximately 14,000 veterans, many of whom reside in Union City. Contigo Pharmacy in Union City is the first business partnering with VA New Jersey Health Care System to display a QR Code which links local VANJHCS suicide prevention resources to those in need. This QR Code, created to increase access to local VANJHCS suicide prevention resources, is one of many ways VANJHCS is making sure resources against suicide are easily accessible to Veterans. A quick scan with a smartphone camera connects the Veteran with the VANJHCS website where they can find trainings, resources, and local VA contacts in New Jersey.
This work is made possible through the Suicide Prevention 2.0 initiative through the Veterans Health Administration. Suicide Prevention 2.0 is a public health approach to prevent Veteran suicide by combining community and clinically based interventions. Developing simple tools to connect the community with local suicide prevention resources is one of the first ways VANJHCS is working to increase access and awareness throughout New Jersey.
Jeff Graciano and Ash Vora are the owners of Contigo Pharmacy in Union City. They say many Veterans use their community pharmacy because of the personalized service they provide to customers.
“We know this is a complex issue and the whole community has to come together for our Vets and their families. Our community is strong and we’re happy to be included,” said Jeff. The QR Code and an informational flyer will be displayed in Contigo Pharmacy for all to use.
Ash added, “Sometimes we see Veterans at difficult times in their lives. Having this QR Code as a resource for them will help us to be a bigger part of their wellness. Our pharmacy serves the community, and our Veterans are a big part of that.”
Contigo staff, and the larger Union City coalition, will soon be receiving SAVE training through VA. SAVE is designed to teach community members how to respond and act with compassion if they encounter a Veteran who is in crisis, or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The training free and open to anyone. Click here for more information about VANJHCS Suicide Prevention or SAVE Training.