Summer Safety

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 07/21/2021 11:00 AM EDT

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Summer 2021

Veterans, Spouses, and Caregivers can get the COVID-19 Vaccine LEARN MORE

 

Coaching Into Care helps loved ones help Veterans: VAntage Point blog

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Wondering what Coaching Into Care does? Take a look at this VAntage Point story on this unique VA service.

"For more than a decade, helpful, caring, and experienced Coaching Into Care professionals have been empowering Veterans’ families and friends with guidance and resources to help them have difficult discussions about mental health with the Veterans they care about."

Contact Coaching Into Care today for help in talking to a Veteran about getting mental health care: (888) 823-7458.

Take the Next Step

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Alcohol and other drugs are often used in response to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Despite the temporary relief a substance may seem to provide, increased substance use can lead to long-term consequences.

If you are close to a Veteran and worried about his or her substance abuse, Coaching Into Care can help you have the conversation with your Veteran about getting treatment.

VA has the resources to help Veterans in recovery. Call us at (888) 823-7458, or email at coachingintocare@va.gov.

Firearm Safety in Times of Community Stress

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Firearm safety is recommended by both injury prevention groups and gun rights organizations. It is considered a key element of responsible firearm ownership.

Best Practices:

  • Store all firearms with a locking device (e.g., cable locks, trigger locks) or use locking containers (e.g, lockboxes, firearm safes, firearm cabinets).
  • Store all firearm ammunition in a locked container or safe.
  • Do not share the lock combination or key with children or adolescents.
  • Do not share the lock combination or key with adults who are at increased risk for suicide or accidental firearm injury (e.g., individuals living with dementia).
  • If household members have risk factors for suicide or accidental injury (e.g., depression, alcohol dependence) consider temporarily storing firearms outside of the home.
  • Hiding firearms is not an adequate method of securing firearms.
  • Studies have shown that children and adolescents often know where household firearms are hidden.

*from VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)

If you need help having a conversation about firearm safety, call Coaching Into Care at (888) 823-7458 or email us at coachingintocare@va.gov.