VA and OnStar partnership to enhance suicide prevention

There are many in the community who want to help reduce or even prevent Veteran suicides. That’s where VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) comes in. HAP finds and manages non-monetary partnerships with community organizations that use innovative strategies to support suicide prevention among Veterans.

One of those partnerships is with OnStar

OnStar, a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, is committed to enhancing access to suicide prevention and emergency services for Veterans. Originally established in 2020, this collaboration offers Veterans in crisis the opportunity for around-the-clock, confidential support via VA’s Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) when they use the emergency services button in an OnStar-equipped vehicle or OnStar Guardian smartphone app.

According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, rates of Veteran suicide increased from 2020 to 2021. However, some Veterans have seen a decrease in suicide rates: Veteran men aged 75+, those aged 55-74 who utilize Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services and those aged 18-34 who recently used VHA services.

“VA’s work with OnStar is an example of harnessing innovative solutions for Veteran care,” said Chien Chen, HAP chief officer and nurse executive. “This collaboration strengthens VA suicide prevention efforts and supports Veterans in receiving timely, effective support in critical moments of need.”

VA and OnStar aim to enhance suicide prevention efforts by improving access to preventative and emergency services for Veterans experiencing a crisis. Through this partnership, VA clinicians can access additional resources when developing suicide prevention safety plans with Veterans.

“OnStar and VA are united by a shared goal of supporting Veterans in times of distress,” said Jim Lanier, Public Safety manager at OnStar. “We continue to work together 24/7 by harnessing cutting-edge technology and OnStar’s Emergency Advisors to provide compassionate support and get our Veterans the appropriate resources provided by the Veterans Crisis Line.”

VA aims to address the unique needs of Veterans

• Providing Veterans or caregivers with a transfer from OnStar to the Veterans Crisis Line.
• Sharing best practices and success stories within VA and with OnStar staff while safeguarding Veterans’ privacy and personal information.
• Providing VA clinicians and staff with education about the benefits of Veterans using OnStar092744.
• Including incorporating OnStar services into suicide prevention safety plans and informing eligible Veterans about the OnStar Military discount.
• Actively supporting the health and well-being of Veterans throughout VA.
• Developing patient education to ensure providers share health information that is accurate, accessible and effectively supports informed decision-making.

VA and OnStar’s collaborative efforts provide additional avenues of support to Veterans in crisis, potentially saving lives and promoting overall health and well-being. This partnership shows how technology and compassion can come together to create effective solutions for one of the most pressing issues for Veterans.

VA suicide prevention resources  

• Suicide Prevention – Mental Health: information and resources on preventing suicide among Veterans.
• Don’t Wait. Reach out: a space for Veterans to proactively seek support and resources on their mental health.
• Veterans Crisis Line: a free, confidential resource for all Veterans, regardless of their VA enrollment status.

Department of Defense suicide prevention resources  

• Defense Suicide Prevention Office: supports a collaborative public health approach where suicide prevention is integrated into military, family, and civilian policies and programs to reduce suicidal behaviors in service members, their families and DOD civilians.
• Military OneSource: provides information, answers and support to service members and their families.
• Military Crisis Line: a free, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve and Veterans; a military-specific offshoot of the National Suicide Hotline.

Get more information about VHA partnerships.

Get more information about OnStar.