Preventing Veteran Suicide by Combating Stigma: Building Awareness and Support

Preventing Veteran Suicide by Combating Stigma: Building Awareness and Support

September is Suicide Prevention Month. In honor of that, the Washington State Office of Equity is excited to announce that we have partnered with Nicole Vreeland, the Suicide Prevention Program Manager with Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Together we felt this was a perfect opportunity for another Equity Learning Series webinar: Preventing Veteran Suicide by Combating Stigma: Building Awareness and Support.

This session will explore the critical issue of stigma surrounding mental health and suicide within the Service Member, Veteran, and Family (SMVF) community. Stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help, contributing to isolation, misinformation, and lack of access to essential mental health services.

Webinar Details

• Date: September 18, 2025
• Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am PT
• Location: Virtually on Zoom.
• Click here to register for this event.

Webinar Description

This training focuses on understanding the types of stigmas – self, public, and institutional. We work through how stigma impacts mental health and practical steps to reduce its presence. Participants will engage in meaningful discussion to challenge and address stigma, foster supportive peer networks, and promote help-seeking behavior. 

Through interactive breakout sessions and guided discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the emotional and cultural factors that contribute to stigma. Attendees will walk away able to identify barriers to mental health care within the military community, Finally, they will be able to develop actionable strategies for creating a more supportive and empathetic environment.

Preventing Veteran Suicide by Combating Stigma: Building Awareness and Support aims to empower participants to take an active role in reducing stigma and supporting suicide prevention efforts in their communities. The goal is to foster resilience, normalize conversations about mental health, and reduce the risk of suicide by promoting early intervention and a strong network of support.