#Middlebury #Veterans #VeteranSuicides
VETERANS POST
By Freddy Groves
Operation S.A.V.E. is a Department of Veterans Affairs training program designed to prevent suicide in veterans. While the program is geared for suicide-prevention coordinators, there are points that can be helpful for family and friends of veterans who might be at risk.
The initials themselves outline parts of the program:
- Signs of suicide
- Asking about suicide
- Validating feelings
- Encouraging help and expediting treatment
Those who work or live with veterans can help stop many veteran suicides. Here are some must-have resources:
- Go online and study the program that is given to VA suicide prevention coordinators. Google this title: Operation S.A.V.E.: VA Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training.
- Google “veteran suicide” and look for the PDF titled “Department of Veterans Affairs Operation SAVE Suicide Prevention.” As you scroll, don’t miss the Myths and Misinformation section, as well as the S.A.V.E steps.
- Go to www.mentalhealth.va.gov and click “Suicide Prevention.” You’ll find a full menu of choices, including warning signs and resources.
The official guesstimate of the number of veteran suicides is 22 per day. As more people and groups read the “Suicide Data Report,” they eventually come to the conclusion that the number is low, for many reasons: Not all states participated in the survey, so didn’t provide numbers. Information in some cases was provided by funeral homes (who got their information from family members) and not by the VA. Information from states with large veteran populations wasn’t used. Information wasn’t current, and so on. In other words, the problem might be even worse.
For more immediate help for yourself or someone you know, dial 988 and press 1. Or you can chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net. Or send a text message to 838255 for free support.
© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
