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Suicide Prevention – Veterans, There is Hope

Suicide Prevention – Veterans, There is Hope
By April Love, VISN 19 writer-editor

Suicide prevention among Veterans remains a public health priority, but the fact is: suicide is preventable. Veterans need not suffer silently or alone. There is confidential help 24/7 for Veterans in crisis as well as for family members who seek support for their loved ones.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (OKC VA HCS) wants to raise awareness about Veteran suicide.

Although statistically fewer Veterans are taking their lives each day compared to 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to eliminating that statistic. VA encourages Veterans and concerned loved ones to connect with available resources to help prevent another life lost.

Earlier this year, in a move to save more Veterans’ lives, VA began the Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act. Under this initiative, eligible Veterans experiencing an acute suicidal crisis can immediately present to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Emergency_Care.asp.

Here’s how we can help our Veteran community:

  1. Reach out to a Veteran: Call or text to check on a friend or loved one. Simply asking: "How's everything going? I'm here for you if you want to talk or need help finding support." 
  2. Hear Veteran stories: Everyone needs help sometimes. More than 600 Veterans and family members have shared powerful stories of finding support and overcoming challenges. View their videos at: MakeTheConnection.net.
  3. Educate yourself: Learn how to spot warning signs of an emotional or mental health crisis, support a Veteran at risk for suicide or identify mental health and suicide prevention resources.
  4. Locate resources: Visit Reach.gov/SPM to find support near you. Just enter a zip code for a range of acute care and outpatient services.
  5. Spread the word: You can make a difference. Simply forward this article/column to a colleague to help raise awareness.

VA behavioral health providers and suicide prevention care coordinators offer the support you need in a crisis. These responders work with providers and community organizations to assist Veterans who are experiencing emotional or mental health challenges. Please, connect with them to get ongoing support, counseling, and other services. Weekdays, during normal business hours, please contact:

OKC VA HCS Suicide Prevention Coordinator: Alisha Fry, 405-456-1149, oklsuicidepreventionteam@va.gov

National crisis resources are also available 24/7. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects any Veteran or their loved ones to a live person specially trained to support Veterans:

You can also take these actions:

  • Call 911.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. You need not be enrolled in VA health care to get help. Visit https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ to find your nearest VA medical center.

Life certainly has its challenges, but it can be better if we work together and support each other through #VetsReachOut.

Thank you for helping to prevent Veteran suicide,

Sunaina Kumar-Giebel
Director, VA Rocky Mountain Network

Wade Vlosich
Director, Oklahoma City VA
Healthcare System

Mrs. Sunaina Kumar-Giebel is the director, VA Rocky Mountain Network (Veterans Integrated Service Network 19).

Wade Vlosich is the director, Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System.