Suicide prevention is VA’s top priority. The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) supports Veteran suicide prevention by offering VA S.A.V.E. training to its caregivers and family members.
VA S.A.V.E. fosters practical support for Veterans facing a crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. This comprehensive training educates caregivers and Veteran family members on recognizing the warning signs of suicidal thoughts. It guides them in engaging in compassionate conversations, identifying support needs and effectively connecting Veterans to mental health resources.
The VA S.A.V.E. acronym reflects the essential steps to remember in suicide prevention:
- Signs of suicide
- Asking about suicide
- Validating feelings
- Encouraging help and expediting treatment.
According to Dr. Colleen M. Richardson, CSP executive director, the program’s goal is for every caregiver to take VA S.A.V.E.
“VA S.A.V.E is a short training program that has a lasting impact on the lives of caregivers and Veterans. It’s an invaluable resource that empowers caregivers in suicide prevention while validating the thoughts, emotions and needs of both the caregiver and the Veteran,” she said.
Getting started with VA S.A.V.E.
Caregivers and family members of Veterans can learn more about VA S.A.V.E. training by:
- Watching this short video, which includes tips and guidance when providing support and encouragement to the Veteran
- Enrolling in VA S.A.V.E. training for caregivers by contacting their local Caregiver Support team using the CSP Teams Locator
- Contacting their local suicide prevention coordinator at VeteransCrisisLine.net/find-resources/local-resources/
Additional resources
- Veterans Crisis Line: For 24/7 assistance, dial 988, press 1, or text 838255. NOTE: The Veterans Crisis Line isn’t just for Veterans. Families and friends of Veterans can also connect to caring, qualified responders.
- VA Mental Health Services: www.mentalhealth.va.gov
- Online Resource Locator: Local Resources (veteranscrisisline.net)
- Don’t wait. Reach out: www.caregiver.va.gov/REACH_VA_Program.asp
- Make the Connection: www.MakeTheConnection.net
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): www.ptsd.va.gov
- Suicide Prevention Toolkit: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Suicide_Prevention_Toolkit.asp
About the Caregiver Support Program
The Caregiver Support Program promotes the health and well-being of Veterans’ caregivers through education, resources, support and services.
To learn about CSP and specific aspects of the program, watch CSP’s podcast with VA SITREP.
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At the Durham NC VA you have a SPC who lies on veterans and who will not talk to the veterans as respectful as they want to be talked to. You have bad providers teaching interns and trainees. The staff would rather help the interns and trainees exploit the veterans than treat the veterans. Now you want us to trust them with training to our families and friends. No thank you.
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Nice program–except for Veterans who have no caregiver and have suffered for many years because the VA refuses to acknowledge problems and take any action to help. This S.A.V.E. program is more useless rhetoric to me.