As may know, November was proclaimed Veterans and Military Families Month, and preventing Veteran suicide is VA’s highest clinical priority. Although on average 20 Veterans die by suicide each day, only six of those 20 were recent users of VA services. During the week of November 13-17, VA will highlight a recent partnership product.
These startling statistics are part of the reason why VA has partnered with many organizations like yours to #BeThere for Veterans— public and private partnerships help spread the word that Veteran suicide is preventable and reach to all Veterans and their loved ones.
VA, Johnson & Johnson and actor Tom Hanks have joined the #BeThere campaign by producing a moving public service announcement. The link to the PSA is below.
We can all play a role in preventing suicide, but many organizations don’t know what they can do to support the Veterans or Service members in their reach who may be going through a difficult time. A simple act of kindness can help someone feel less alone. Our actions can save lives. We hope you will help raise awareness of suicide prevention within our community by working with us to spread the #BeThere message.
How can you help?
- Take a minute to view and share the public service announcement on your social media;
o 70 second version: https://youtu.be/xCDMHaYrbk4
o 30 second version: https://youtu.be/OrCCrT2IyeY
- Visit www.bethereforveterans.com for additional information and resources;
- View the open Innovation Challenge: Gun Safety Matters to submit your ideas or devices for safe gun storage here and help us spread the word (challenge is open through January 8, 2018);
- View and share the Veteran Outreach Toolkit: Preventing Veteran Suicide is Everyone’s Business, A Community Call to Action
- Share the VA Mental Health Resources flyer highlighting six fantastic resources for Veterans and their loved ones.
For those of us who work to support Veterans, every day is Veterans Day.
As the CMCVAMC Suicide Prevention Coordinator, I have met many of you at the monthly VAC meetings. In addition, I have recently reached out to you to partner with me to spread the word and help prevent Veteran suicide. I can be reached at 215-823-4505 or Iris.Roundtree@va.gov
I look forward to working with you on this important VA priority and thank you in advance for helping spread the message that suicide is preventable.
IRIS ROUNDTREE, LSW
Suicide Prevention Coordinator