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Empowering Veterans and Ending a National Tragedy of Suicide
A National Call to Action to ensure that Veterans are cared for and supported — not just at a point of crisis, but throughout their lives, and facing and responding to the mental health challenges that affect them and those they love — by addressing suicide prevention for the broader community was launched yesterday as The President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide, or (PREVENTS).
The PREVENTS Roadmap’s mission is to end a national tragedy of Veteran suicide. The mission is described as complex, audacious, but achievable. PREVENTS seeks to reach every corner of the US, “leaving no one behind”.
The PREVENTS initiative will elevate the national conversation around mental health and suicide, build on existing best practices, and expand on the research and programs underway nationally, in communities. “We will ensure that our nation’s Veterans — and all Americans — know that there is help and hope for those who need it. Together, we will end this tragedy of suicide”.
Purpose
PREVENTS seeks to change the culture surrounding mental health and suicide prevention through enhanced community integration, prioritized research activities, and implementation strategies that emphasize improved overall health and well-being.
Goal
The goal of PREVENTS is to prevent suicide — among not just Veterans but all Americans. By adopting a holistic public health approach, PREVENTS is acting on the knowledge that suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and that by working together, locally and nationally, we can prevent suicide.
Work
PREVENTS is building on the critical successes of suicide prevention pioneers and agencies working with service members and Veterans. The PREVENTS task force is partnering with stakeholders from multiple sectors, including nonprofits, state and local organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and government leaders, to implement best practices to improve health and prevent suicide.
Veterans Crisis Line
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
What happens when I contact the Veterans Crisis Line?
When you call, chat, or text the Veterans Crisis Line, one of our trained responders will help you through any personal crisis, even if it does not involve thoughts of suicide. You decide how much you want to share — we’re here to listen and to help.
If you are in danger — or the Veteran or Service member you’re concerned about is in danger — the responder will work to make sure everyone is safe. The responder will help you get through the crisis and then help you connect with the services you need, either from your local VA medical center or elsewhere in your community. If you decide to share your contact information, the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the nearest VA medical center will contact you by the next business day.
If you — or the Veteran or Service member you are concerned about — are in crisis but not at imminent risk for injury or suicide, then the responder will listen, offer support, and help you make a plan to stay safe.
Dial 1-800-273-8255
Send a text to 838255
Go to VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
If you call, text, or chat with the Veterans Crisis Line, our support doesn’t end when the conversation’s over.
When callers need more support, Veterans Crisis Line responders can refer them to a Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) at their local VA medical center. SPCs follow up and coordinate care for the issues that led to the crisis, like posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, readjustment challenges, sleeping problems, and more.
Follow @WeArePrevents on Twitter:
The Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention
https://www.va.gov/PREVENTS/docs/PRE-002-PREVENTS-Placemat_508.pdf#
National Call to Action
As a nation, we must ensure that Veterans are cared for and supported — not just at a point of crisis, but throughout their lives. By providing our nation’s Veterans with the tools they need to live and thrive, we also empower them to lead the way in facing and responding to the mental health challenges that affect them and those we love — addressing suicide prevention for the broader community.The PREVENTS Roadmap has been created with one mission in mind: to end a national tragedy of Veteran suicide. Yes, the mission is complex and audacious, but it is achievable. We are seeking to reach every corner of our nation, leaving no one behind. We believe that everyone is within reach. The PREVENTS initiative will elevate the national conversation around mental health and suicide, build on existing best practices, and expand on the impressive research and programs underway in our communities. We will ensure that our nation’s Veterans — and all Americans — know that there is help and hope for those who need it. Together, we will end this tragedy of suicide.