VA Observes Suicide Prevention Week

VA Observes Suicide Prevention Week

Help Offered in Recognizing the Signs of Suicide Risk in Veterans

WASHINGTON – In observance of Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10, 2011), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is educating individuals and communities across the country about VA’s suicide prevention resources and the steps to take to help Veterans in crisis.

“There are simple actions we can all take to help save lives,” said Dr. Janet Kemp, director of VA’s Suicide Prevention Program. “Know the signs for suicide risk and call on the Veterans Crisis Line when you recognize them.” 

A key aspect of Suicide Prevention Week is increasing awareness of the Veterans Crisis Line and online chat. Veterans, their families, and friends can call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. 

During this week, VA suicide prevention coordinators, at all 152 VA medical centers around the nation, will help Veterans and their family members, as well as members of the general public, recognize the signs that a Veteran may be at risk for suicide and educate them on the appropriate steps to help them stay safe.  Across the country there will be a variety of special seminars, health fairs, information sessions and other events to educate communities on how to make a difference in the lives of Veterans. 

VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) have partnered on the development of this year’s theme for Suicide Prevention Week, “Changing the Legacy of Suicide: Success Before Stress,” emphasizing the resources available and the positive steps Veterans and their families and friends can take to get through a crisis.

Individuals are encouraged to learn about the warning signs of suicide risk by visiting www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis. Veterans and their loved ones are also encouraged to keep the Veterans Crisis Line information readily available, by saving the Veterans Crisis Line number on a phone (1-800-273-8255 and press 1) and bookmarking the online chat link (www.VeteransCrisisLine.net) on a computer.

Since its launch, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 450,000 calls and made more than 16,000 life-saving rescues. In 2009 the Veterans Crisis Line added an anonymous chat service, which has helped more than 20,000 people.

To find a VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator near you and get involved with local Suicide Prevention Week activities, go to www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/ResourceLocator.

For more information about the Veterans Crisis Line, visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net. For more information about VA’s mental health resources, please visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov.

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