WASHINGTON — This September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month highlighting VA’s Be There campaign, reminding Veterans and their loved ones that small actions can make a big difference to Veterans going through difficult times.
During this and every month, Be There wants Veterans, community leaders and Veterans’ families and friends to know there is no special training needed to give a Veteran hope.
“There are simple ways anyone can show support for our nation’s Veterans like learning about VA’s suicide prevention efforts and recognizing the signs that a Veteran may need help,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Take a moment to listen with compassion and let Veterans know you’re there for them.”
Be There suggests several simple actions that can help make a difference for a Veteran to include:
- Reaching out to Veterans by sending a check-in text, cooking them dinner or simply asking them how they’re doing.
- Learning about the warning signs of suicide found on the Veterans Crisis Line website.
- Watching the free S.A.V.E. training video to learn how to respond with care and compassion if someone indicates they are having thoughts of suicide.
- Contacting VA’s Coaching Into Care program where a licensed psychologist or social worker will provide loved ones with guidance for motivating Veterans to seek support.
- Sharing stories of hope and recovery from VA’s Make the Connection.
For more information and resources visit BeThereForVeterans.com.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call?1-800-273-8255?and Press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Reporters covering this issue can download VA’s Safe Messaging Best Practices?fact sheet or visit Reporting On Suicide for guidance on how to communicate about suicide.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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