PHOENIX - To augment its ongoing outreach to prevent suicides among veterans, the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) has some special efforts under way during National Suicide Prevention Week, which runs through Sept. 13.
According to a recent Rand Corp. study, about one in five soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan displays symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, putting them at increased risk of suicide. The VA estimates that, nationally, 6,500 veterans a year take their own lives. But the VA has responded with more staffing and new outreach programs to veterans.
Each VA Medical Center has a suicide prevention coordinator who makes sure that veterans receive the mental heath services they need. VA has hired more than 3,900 new mental health employees since 2005 - bringing the total number to more than 17,000, with 400 mental health providers specifically devoted to preventing suicide among veterans.
VA educates veterans and family members, and trains employees about suicide risk factors and warning signs. The PVAHCS is offering several trainings for staff during the week, and will have a resource table for patients in its Jade/Opal outpatient clinic at the main medical center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
All new patients and new veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) are screened to determine if they are at risk for suicide. Veterans currently in mental health and substance abuse programs who miss appointments are contacted to make sure they are not lost or in need of follow-up care.
The PVAHCS also offers weekly groups for OEF/OIF veterans and their families to help combat stress and other issues. Veterans and their families may participate by coming to any of the groups, with no prior registration necessary.
OEF/OIF support groups are held weekly at the following times and locations:
OEF/OIF Support Group - Phoenix
Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center
Ambulatory Care Center (enter at Third Street and Indian School Road)
Basement conference room
Families may attend as well for the family support group which is also held during that time
OEF/OIF Support Group - Southeast Valley
Thursdays,
Southeast VA Health Care Clinic
6950 E. Williams Field Road
Mesa
Veterans meet 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Spouses/significant others may join from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Veterans and those concerned about them also may call the VA's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Roughly 55,000 people called the special hotline in its first year, including 22,000 veterans, and the VA estimates that more than 1,600 suicides have been averted because of calls to the hotline.
Calls from the Lifeline are referred to VA suicide prevention coordinators, who follow up with veterans to make sure they receive whatever counseling and services they need.
Warning Signs of Suicide Risk
Suicide Prevention is everyone's business, and VA is enhancing its efforts in this vital area of veteran health. Watch for these key suicide warning signs, and provide the Lifeline number or get other help to anyone exhibiting them.
Talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
Trying to get pills, guns, or other ways to harm oneself
Media Note: To arrange for photos and interviews, contact Paula Pedene APR, Public Affairs Officer for the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, at (602) 200-6279 or via e-mail at paula.pedene@va.gov.
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