G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center
G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center to Host Outreach for Suicide Prevention Among Veterans
January 18, 2019
JACKSON, Mississippi—Suicide is a national public health concern, but it is preventable. VA is committed to empowering and equipping Veterans with the care and resources they need. Nationwide, approximately 14 of the 20 Veterans who die by suicide each day are not receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration. VA is on a mission to end suicide and we need community collaboration to reach them.
The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center will hosts a Veteran and Community Outreach for Suicide Prevention on January 23, 2019, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Atrium. “Our goal is to educate Veterans, family members, and the community about the warning signs of suicide,” said Dr. David Walker, Medical Center Director. “The health and well-being of our Veterans is our highest priority.”
Family members are often able to tell when a loved one is in crisis because they know that person best. Helping a person through a suicidal crisis is a team effort. Be supportive, active and aware; know the common warning signs for suicide; learn about treatment; help your loved one through treatment transitions; and get additional information and support. Help is always available.
Veterans, family members, and care providers can initiate a free and confidential conversation with an experienced and caring VA responder by calling the Veterans Crisis Line. If you are concerned about the safety and well-being of a Veteran, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat to get support anonymously. A text message can also be sent to 838255 to connect to a VA responder. These resources can be used even if a Veteran is not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Veteran suicide is preventable, and suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Thank you for helping to prevent and end Veteran suicide.
