A Veteran’s journey: Fired, PTSD, suicide attempt, jail, homeless, rescued
Veteran Mike Onrubia tells of his struggles and how VA’s Compensated Work Therapy program saved him. He now works for VA.
Simulation exercise ensures staff prepare for suicide situations
South Texas VA's “Reach Out” room simulation exercises test the staff's knowledge of items that could pose harm to patients or staff.
Colorado partnership works to prevent Veteran suicides
The VA Community Partnership Challenge winner developed models of Veteran suicide prevention for community partners in Colorado.
VA mental health professionals work to prevent Veteran suicide
VA mental health professionals walk alongside Veterans on their journey to improve their mental health, prevent Veteran suicide.
2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report shows decrease in Veteran suicides
VA’s latest data from 2019 shows a decrease in suicide among Veterans from the year prior. The decrease, reflecting the lowest number of Veteran suicides since 2007, provides hope and motivation for continued prevention efforts.
Report links substance use and suicide among Veterans, offers support
While the public is aware of some key risk factors for suicide among Veterans, they are often unaware of the devastating relationship between substance use and suicide.
This Suicide Prevention Month, Reach Out for support
You don’t have to go through anything alone. It’s Suicide Prevention Month. Take a moment, Reach Out for support. Here are some ways you can.
VA research reveals link between moral injury and suicide risk
Veterans and service members can experience moral injury from experiences in combat. It is a risk factor for severe distress and suicide.
Veteran suicide prevention in New Jersey
The Veteran community of southern New Jersey came together to call attention to joint efforts to end Veteran suicide. The joint event included the display of the Flags of Forgotten Soldiers.
VA researchers use novel approach to gain insight into suicide risk factors
Graziano and his team found suicidal ideation to be strongly related to depression, with small connections to past suicide attempts and anger. Previous suicide attempts were strongly related to the history of childhood trauma and weakly related to illegal drug use and PTSD.
Women Veterans’ care preferences key to preventing suicide
Women Veterans more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to non-Veteran women. It’s more important than ever that providers talk with women Veterans and understand their unique suicide risks.
VA hospital improvises with new device to prevent in-patient suicides
More than a year ago, a staff member spotted a vulnerable area on those doors that patients could use to try to hang themselves. The hospital responded by installing a device that would make it virtually impossible for someone to do so.
