For any Veteran who is struggling, resources are available

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 09/12/2023 12:24 PM EDT

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September 2023

A Suicide Prevention Month Message from VA

For some Veterans, it can be hard to reach out for help— and many Veterans find it easier to offer support to others than to receive it.

As we enter Suicide Prevention Month, the VA and Ad Council have released a new public service advertisement (PSA) as a part of the ongoing national “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” campaign. The new materials, informed by and featuring real Veterans, pose the simple question: “When was the last time you asked for help?”

We’re encouraging Veterans to reach out before life’s challenges become overwhelming and directing them to VA.gov/REACH, which offers resources to help Veterans with a variety of issues they may be facing.

We can all play a part in preventing suicide. Help us spread the word this Suicide Prevention month with the “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” campaign toolkit VA.gov/REACH/spread-the-word.

Wishing you the best,

The Rocky Mountain MIRECC Team

A Suicide Prevention Month Message from VA
Free Outreach Brochures on Pathways to Healing after Experiences of Military Sexual Trauma
A Veteran’s Guide: Discussing Secure Storage to Reduce Suicide Risk
Join a Local Out of the Darkness Walk
Suicide Prevention Summit and Other Events Across Colorado
Clinician’s Corner - A Message from Our Clinical Team

Free Outreach Brochures on Pathways to Healing after Experiences of Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma (MST) is sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment that occurred during military service. Research shows that MST survivors are at increased risk for suicide. That's why, during Suicide Prevention Month, the VA’s National MST Support Team in the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention encourages everyone to let MST survivors know they are not alone.

VA’s gender-inclusive outreach brochure is available to order at no cost in both English and Spanish: You’re Not Alone in Recovering from Military Sexual Trauma. It covers information about MST, factors that impact survivors in their recovery, and VA's free care for conditions related to MST. You can always find digital versions of these brochures on the VA MST webpage.

Order and share these brochures to help raise awareness about VA’s MST-related treatment and support services.
Download and share Beyond MST. This secure mobile app is designed to improve the health and well-being of MST survivors.

Order MST recovery brochures

A Veteran’s Guide: Discussing Secure Storage to Reduce Suicide Risk

Cartoon images of two Veterans sitting at a table with a cup of coffee. One Veteran puts their hand on the other Veteran's shoulder.

Fellow Veterans, family members and friends are important in preventing suicide and saving Veterans’ lives. By asking about suicide, fellow Veterans let Veterans know that they can talk about their thoughts of suicide. The South Central MIRECC has created a guide to help you identify when a Veteran may be at risk for suicide. You will learn how to talk with someone about making the environment safe to prevent suicide.

Download the guide here

Join a Local Out of the Darkness Walk

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) hosts Out of the Darkness Walks in cities nationwide. Join a local walk to send the message that suicide can be preventable and that no one is alone.

Find a local Out of the Darkness Walk

Decorative banner with multicolored text. Text reads "Suicide prevention" and "Veterans Crisis Line - Dial 988 then Press 1"

Suicide Prevention Summit and Other Events Across Colorado

Preventing Veteran suicide is challenging, but possible. All are welcome to attend our summit for Suicide Prevention to highlight the efforts and services that support Colorado’s Veterans.

What: Rocky Mountain Regional VA Suicide Prevention Summit Day 2023

Who: Veterans, Military, their loved ones, and supporters

When: September 22, 2023

Where: Auditorium, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, 1700 N. Wheeling Street, Aurora, CO 80045

Visit our website for information about the summit and other events throughout Colorado.

Visit our website for more event information

Clinician’s Corner - A Message from Our Clinical Team

Image of a person who is smiling and talking on the phone. There is a lake in the background.

In this issue we are highlighting resources for loved ones of Veterans who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges. These resources are designed for Veteran spouses, significant others, parents, family members, or other Veteran supporters.

The Family Support for Mental Health Recovery brochure highlights many ways family members and loved ones can support their Veteran loved one’s mental health recovery. This brochure spotlights several excellent family resources.

We would like to spotlight one resource from this brochure:

Coaching Into Care (CIC) is a free service for families and friends of Veterans who want to encourage a Veteran to get support or mental health care. CIC responders are available by phone on weekdays between 8am and 8pm EST. They will briefly assess your concerns and offer resources and referrals. During these 10 to 30 minutes calls, licensed psychologists and social workers provide guidance for starting conversations about mental health or substance use. CIC responders are skilled at sharing how to motivate the Veteran in your life to seek treatment if needed. Call Coaching Into Care at #1-888-823-7458 or learn more at: https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/

Learn more about Coaching Into Care


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