09/03/2020

Suicide prevention resources for Veterans

Suicide Prevention Resources for Veterans

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is pleased to share the following resources developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

BETHEREFORVETERANS.COM

The VA’s Be There campaign emphasizes the role each person plays in preventing veteran suicide, inspiring hope and action among audiences by encouraging each of us to Be There (even in small ways) to support veterans. This resource includes information on how to recognize warning signs of crisis, share inspiring stories of recovery and hope, a Social Media Safety Toolkit, a PSA, and downloadable content, among other materials.

PREVENTS SURVEY and PLEDGE

Earlier this year, the White House and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched REACH, a national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide. The goal of REACH, which was established by the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), is to change the conversation around suicide by urging people to recognize their own risk and protective factors — as well as the risk and protective factors of their loved ones. REACH has made a number of resources available and is encouraging individuals to sign the PREVENTS pledge to help raise awareness of mental health challenges and suicide prevention practices to reduce suicide. Veterans are also encouraged to participate in the PREVENTS Survey, which will be available until Sept. 30.

Some Ohio-specific resources include:

Star Behavioral Health Providers | https://starproviders.org/states/ohio

Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation | https://www.ohiospf.org/military-veteran/

Ohio Department of Veterans Services | https://dvs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dvs/resources-for-veterans/more-resources/mental-health