Suicide Prevention Month
September 9, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC — In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center is bringing awareness to its #BeThere campaign by encouraging VA staff, community leaders, and Veterans’ families and friends to help prevent suicide by showing support for those who may be going through a difficult time.
You don’t need special training to prevent suicide. Everyone can play a role by learning to recognize warning signs such as talking or writing about suicide or death, displaying a sense of hopelessness and worthlessness, reckless behavior, giving away possessions or an increased use of drugs or alcohol. Showing compassion and care to Veterans in need, and offering your support seems like a small gesture, but can be a huge help.
Suicide is a complex national public health issue that affects communities nationwide, with more than 45,000 Americans, including more than 6,000 Veterans, dying by suicide every year. But suicide is preventable. VA is using a community-driven approach to prevent suicide and finding innovative ways to deliver support and care to all 20 million U.S. Veterans whenever and wherever they need it.
According to Michael Heimall, FACHE, DC VA Medical Center Director, “We are working to get everyone in the community involved. The medical center’s Suicide Prevention Team is educating VA staff, Veterans, caregivers and the community about spotting warning signs and how to recognize a Veteran in crisis. This September, and all year, I encourage everyone to take a moment to be there for Veterans in need. One act of thoughtfulness can make a difference and may even save a life.”
The DC VA Medical Center’s Suicide Prevention team is hosting a number of suicide prevention awareness events this month to offer education and wellness information, including:
Awareness and Information Fair
September 10, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
DC VA Medical Center Atrium
Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk
September 11, 12:00 p.m.
DC VA Medical Center Atrium
Information Session with Chance Drawing for Awareness Walk Participants
September 11, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
DC VA Medical Center, Freedom Auditorium, Fourth Floor
Gun Safety Day
Thursday September 12
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Medical Center Atrium
Awareness and gun safety information and free gun locks for Veterans
Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven 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. Veterans in the DC area who are in crises or having thoughts of suicide can walk into the Emergency Department at the DC VA Medical Center, 50 Irving Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20422.
Reporters who wish to interview a VA subject matter expert, contact the Office of Public Affairs, 202-745-4037. Reporters 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.
