To mark Suicide Prevention Month this September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is shining a light on effective ways to prevent Veteran suicide with its Be There campaign.

The campaign highlights the risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provides information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and helps individuals and organizations start the conversation around Veteran mental health in their communities.

“In our various communities, everyone is in a position to make a difference for a Veteran who may be at risk for suicide,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, who recorded a video about VA’s strategies to prevent Veteran suicide. “A common misconception is that you need special training to talk safely about suicide risk or show concern for someone who is in distress. One simple act of kindness could help save a life. I encourage everyone this September, and beyond, to take the first step in acting as that support system.”

Talking with a Veteran about mental health or suicide risk may be challenging, but VA encourages community leaders, colleagues, family and friends to simply “Be There” by sharing messages of support that can help show a Veteran you care. VA has also collaborated with community partners and is asking individuals across the country this month to share resources with Veterans in their lives via the BeThereForVeterans.com webpage.

Veterans in crisis or having thoughts of suicide — and those who know a Veteran in crisis — can call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or text to 838255.

Topics in this story

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

2 Comments

  1. Pete Perez September 18, 2018 at 14:07

    *You can Prevent more suicides by fixing the Parking Problem at the”Michael E. DeBakey,V.A. Medical Center !”
    I am a 73 year Old Disabled Veteran with PTSD,Diabetes,Skin Cancer and Prostate Cancer. Soon I will,probably, have to
    go to the V.A.for 9 weeks which is 45 Straight Days, to receive Radiation Treatment for my Prostate Cancer.
    This means that”I have to look for a Parkin Space,at the “V.A.Medical Center” for 72 days Straight.
    Valet Parking is Not the answer, It’s too slow because of Too Many Autos.
    It would be Faster to Park , if they Hurry Up and finish building more Parking Spaces at the”V.A.Medical Center.”
    Right now Handicapped Parking Spaces are also being used by Laborers who have Not finish building the very necessary Parking Spaces for us Veterans, They have more Parking Spaces here, at the Houston,”V.A.Medical Center” for Employees
    than for Veterans. Isn’t the “V.A.Medical Centers” for Injured and Disabled Veterans or just for the Employees??*

  2. David Boyd September 12, 2018 at 09:13

    you need yo call va Hampton ask for an appointment see if 20 minute see if it is fair and why am I discussing hippo with some one who don’t have a need to know if I say no appointment is that fair, t6hey not doctors

Comments are closed.

More Stories