Although the veteran suicide rate meaningfully decreased in 2019 and 2020, the suicide rate among veterans in 2020 was 57% higher than nonveteran adults, according to the most recent available data from the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

Suicide prevention among veterans remains a public health priority, but the facts are clear. Suicide is preventable.

Colorado veterans need not suffer silently or alone. There is help 24/7 for veterans in crisis as well as for family members who seek confidential support for their loved ones.

September bears the sobering title of Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness about veteran suicide. Veterans are taking their lives each day, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to eliminating that statistic. VA encourages veterans and loved ones to connect with needed resources to help prevent a suicidal event.

This year, in a move to save more veterans’ lives, VA instituted the Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act. Under this initiative, eligible Veterans experiencing an acute suicidal crisis can immediately present to any VA or non-va health care facility for emergency health care at no cost. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/comMunitycare/programs/veterans/emergency_care.asp.

We offer five suggestions for how you can help our veteran community:

1. Reach out to a veteran: Call or text to check on a friend or loved one. Simply asking: “How’s everything going? I’m here for you if you want to talk or need help finding support.”

2. Hear veteran stories: Everyone needs help sometimes. More than 600 veterans and family members have shared powerful stories of finding support and overcoming challenges. View their videos at: MaketheConnection.net.

3. Educate yourself: Learn how to spot warning signs of an emotional or mental health crisis, support a veteran at risk for suicide, or identify mental health and suicide prevention resources.

4. Locate resources: Visit Reach.gov/ SPM to find support near you. Just enter a ZIP code for a range of acute care and outpatient services.

5. Spread the word: You can make a difference. Simply forward this article/column to a colleague to help raise awareness.

VA behavioral health providers and suicide prevention care coordinators at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System offer the support you need in a crisis. These responders work with providers and community organizations to assist veterans who are experiencing emotional or mental health challenges.

Please, connect with them to get ongoing support, counseling, and other services. Weekdays, during normal business hours, please contact: Suicide Prevention Coordinator: Benjamin Kremer at 720-656-7155 or vhaechsuicidepreventionteam@ va.gov National crisis resources are also available 24/7. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects any veteran or their loved ones to a live person specially trained to support veterans:

Call 988 and select 1.

Text 838255.

Start a confidential chat at: https://www. veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/.

If hearing-impaired, call TTY: 800-7994889.

You can also take these actions:

Call 911.

Go to the nearest emergency room. Go directly to your nearest VA medical center.

You need not be enrolled in VA health care to get help. Visit https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ to find your nearest VA medical center.

Life certainly has its challenges, but it can be better if we work together and support each other through #Vetsreachout.

Thank you for helping to prevent veteran suicide.