VA, America Salutes You partner to bring attention to suicide prevention resources

WASHINGTON – As part of its ongoing effort to prevent Veteran suicide, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today a new partnership with non-profit organization America Salutes You, to raise awareness of mental health resources for service members, Veterans and their loved ones.

The partnership will promote VA’s Be There campaign and share suicide prevention resources through videos, public service announcements and broadcast events streaming online and airing on television networks across the country.

“Educating the public about suicide prevention resources is key to curbing Veteran suicide,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA’s partnership with America Salutes You shows a solid combined effort towards improving Veterans’ overall health and well-being.”

Through this partnership, America Salutes You will host concerts and events to educate Veterans and their loved ones about suicide prevention with an emphasize on access to VA care. As part of VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, these events use a public health approach to reach Veterans in their communities and aim to raise awareness about mental health, social determinates of suicide and suicide prevention resources through social media and streaming services.

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

Media covering this issue can download VA’s Safe Messaging Best Practices fact sheet or visit www.ReportingOnSuicide.org for important guidance on how to communicate about suicide.