Mental health is health

Suicide is a national public health issue in America that disproportionately affects the military Veteran population. This is why it is a top priority for the Department of Veteran Affairs and why we believe that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

The Sioux Falls VA Medical Center Suicide Prevention Program is dedicated to the prevention of Veteran suicide through education, monitoring and case management as well as outreach and collaboration with community partners who are integral to reaching at-risk Veterans.

Veterans who have a risk of suicidal behaviors receive an enhanced level of care and appropriate services through the following:

• Suicide Prevention Coordinator
• Compact Act Coordinator
• Suicide Prevention Case Managers

When a Veteran is identified with a higher risk for suicide, we can provide extra support by ‘wrapping services’ around them and their family/support system. This includes increasing the number of mental health care appointments to closely monitor any changes that may impact mood and/or behaviors.

• If the Veteran is not already connected to a mental health team, we will assist in connecting him/her to a team for enhanced care and long-term support.
• Together, the Veteran and their treatment team as well as the suicide prevention program will make a care plan that includes weekly mental health phone contact or face-to-face appointments for four weeks.
• Staff will facilitate a discussion around safety planning and assist the Veteran in creating an individualized safety plan to address thoughts about suicide and ways to decrease them.

The team will monitor overall care and mental health contacts for at least 90 days to influence overall access to resources for ongoing improvement and engagement.

If you have more questions about the Suicide Prevention Program or to host a VA S.A.V.E. Training, please contact Jenifer Schramm, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at 605-336-3230 ext. 6238.