While National Suicide Prevention Month draws to a close, every month is suicide prevention month at the WDVA. Suicide prevention is one of WDVA’s Counseling and Wellness Programs core initiatives. We are leading in suicide prevention through strategic collaboration with our community partners, outreach, training, and by empowering our staff, our volunteers, and others in the community who serve Washington Veterans, their family members, and their communities.
If you would like to learn more about what we are doing, including our role in the Governor’s Challenge, please visit our Suicide Prevention and Support website, at https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/counseling-and-wellness/suicide-prevention-and-support. I’ve also included a list of resources below.
Our synergy, vigor, and commitment to our suicide prevention mission is relentless. We all play a role in suicide prevention, so let’s work together with collective empathy, passion and strength, because we all benefit from honest conversations about mental health and suicide. And remember, just one caring conversation can save a life.
Thank you,
David D. Luxton, PhD., M.S.
Director, Counseling & Wellness Programs
Clinical Psychologist and USAF Veteran
Crisis Resources
- If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
- Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Call the Veteran’s Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
- If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
- If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Helpful Informational Resources
- Safer Homes, Suicide Aware | Forefront (intheforefront.org)
- Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
- Being Prepared for a Crisis
- Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
- Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.