Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks and Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System hosted a faith-based outreach event for faith-based community members to combat Veteran suicide. VA Secretary Denis McDonough came to endorse the mission and vision of the event.
The all-day suicide prevention training held at the Global Campus Professional and Workforce Development facility accommodated both in-person and virtual attendees. Presentations from VA experts included suicide prevention awareness training, VA mental health care and VA substance abuse and addiction treatment programs. Other trainings included Moral Suicide, Intimate Partner Violence and handling crisis situations.
“It takes groups working together to save lives and change the narrative that says a Veteran who seeks help is a victim, broken or weak,” said McDonough. “There is an enormous power of reaching out. That is why VA is reaching out to faith-based community members to work together to end suicide.”
“I have more confidence when talking to Veterans in crisis.”
“After participating in this training, I feel like I have more confidence when talking to Veterans in crisis,” said Beau Gage, president of Blind Faith Outdoors. “This training gave me a better understanding of Veteran culture.”
Gage runs a nonprofit ministry that focuses on bridging church with the outdoors. First responders and Veterans are the primary groups that attend. “Blind Faith Outdoors’ goal is to connect nature and God by providing a relaxing environment so people can unwind and join in fellowship.”
This event occurred during Suicide Prevention Month, but suicide prevention among Veterans is VA’s top clinical priority, every day.
“We need our community leaders, faith-based leaders, our Veteran Service Organizers, and our neighbors and caregivers to engage with us so we can stop suicide from occurring,” said Medical Center Director Dr. George Velez. “Suicide prevention is every day of the year.”
Veterans can call 988 Press 1 or text 838255, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to be connected to trained crisis counselors.
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How can we find people who care in Sonora California
Hi Mystery Bradford, a great start is your local Vet Center. That’s where I started when I didn’t know where to start. Since you mentioned Sonora Ca, I looked it up for you and yours is called the Delta Vet Center. 1327 Historical Plaza Way Manteca, CA 95336 Phone# 209-825-8320. I hope this helps! You’re not alone.