BOISE, Idaho — The Boise VA Medical Center is bringing awareness to Suicide Prevention Month through a campaign encouraging people to #BeThere for the veterans in their lives.
According to the organization, more than 45,000 Americans, including 6,000 veterans, die by suicide every year.
"You don’t need special training to prevent suicide" the campaign's press release stated. "Everyone can play a role by learning to recognize warning signs, showing compassion and care to Veterans in need, and offering your support."
Here are some actions anyone can take to Be There:
- Reach out to the Veterans in your life to show them you care. Send a check-in text, cook them dinner, or simply ask, “How are you?”
- Educate yourself on the warning signs of suicide, found on the Veterans Crisis Line website.
- Watch the free S.A.V.E. training video to equip yourself to respond with care and compassion if someone you know indicates they are having thoughts of suicide.
- Check out VA’s Social Media Safety Toolkit to learn how to recognize and respond to social media posts that may indicate emotional distress, feelings of crisis or thoughts of suicide.
- Contact VA’s Coaching Into Care program if you are worried about a Veteran loved one. A licensed psychologist or social worker will provide guidance on motivating your loved one to seek support.
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.
