Suicide Prevention and Support

As of July 1, 2021 - 4 new hires added to Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist Team – 1 Lead Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist and 3 Regional Suicide Prevention Specialists (King County, Olympia, and E WA)

7 Veteran’s LEARN workshops completed with a total of 129 participants

8 Governor’s Challenge Team meetings held

15 SAMHSA/VA Community of Practice meetings

Assisted 2 SMVFs in crisis by referring to community resources

Initiate and/or completed 14 of 20 objectives in the WA State SMVF Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 21-23

Held 1 statewide suicide prevention virtual event – “Together Washington”

Provided subject matter expert consultation for WA Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention at 3 virtual events:

National Level (1) – SAMHSA/VA Implementation Academy 2022

State Level (1) – Law Enforcement and Mental Health Task Force

Local Level (1) – South Sound Community and Military Partnerships

Suicide has been an ongoing battle for the Veteran community. Many of our Service Members, Veterans, and their family members find themselves in unbearable pain, feeling disconnected from their own community. Through connection, your WDVA Suicide Prevention Program aims to improve self-efficacy and hope. Washington State is home to many resources for the Service Members, Veterans, and their families; therefore, our goal is to develop a strong network to sincerely support and guide those in need.

In effort to connect the community, your WDVA will:

Create an advisory committee to include federal, state, and local organizations dedicated to helping Service Members, Veterans, and their families.
Host and attend events to provide education about suicide and prevention materials in the veteran community.
Host community listening sessions to better understand the unique needs of our community.
Establish a strong peer network of volunteers to navigate Service Members, Veterans, and their families in a time of need.

If you are a provider or a non-profit organization that serves service members, veterans, and/or their families, please reach out to the Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Codie Garza, for collaboration.

Learn how to donate to the Veterans and Military Members Suicide Prevention Account.

Get your Suicide Prevention License Plate Emblem today!

Suicide Prevention Program - Highlighting Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Suicide Prevention Program Partners:

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs	University of Washington Forefront Suicide Prevention
Washington State Department of Health	Washington State Legislature
Washington State Health Care Authority	Heroes Homestead
Washington State Department of Licensing	Nine9Line Veteran Services
Washington Army National Guard	U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington Air National Guard	SAMHSA/SMVF TA Center
Suquamish Tribe	Providence Medical Group
Makah Nation	Psych Armor Institute
Department of Defense	Rocky Mountain MIRECC
Directorate of Personnel and Family Readiness – JBLM	ETS Sponsorship