New VA Effort Aimed at Reducing Veteran Suicides

(Washington D.C.) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the inaugural Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among servicemembers, veterans and their families. The goal is to eliminate suicide by using a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention.

“Of the 20 suicides a day that we reported last year, 14 were not under VA care,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “We are pleased to partner with SAMHSA to bring attention, education and support regarding suicide prevention to communities where our veterans live.”

Teams from seven select cities will meet March 14-16, 2018, in Washington, D.C., to develop strategic action plans to implement in their communities. The selection of the cities will be announced later this month. The teams will include collaborative groups of community, municipal, military and other stakeholders. The VA will provide technical assistance to support local efforts and to document outcomes and share strategies with other municipalities.

Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz, assistant secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at SAMHSA, said, “We must act now to accelerate suicide prevention efforts at the local level, with communities embracing and supporting the health and well-being of our servicemembers, veterans and their families.”

For more information on VA’s suicide prevention campaign, visit: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net

For information on SAMHSA’s suicide prevention efforts, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention

Veterans in crisis or having thoughts of suicide — and those who know a Veteran in crisis — should call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.