VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
Connect Campaign: You’re Not Alone
September is #SuicidePreventionMonth. Throughout the month, ODVA will highlight the importance of awareness, community, and strengthening connections for veterans, their families and loved ones, and friends. Learn more about Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention: https://bit.ly/3CSKAaS
The Connect campaign shares the positive outcomes of veterans who have connected to the VA for help with behavioral health concerns, addiction, suicidal ideation, or other traumatic life events to build awareness that veterans who are suffering from symptoms that can lead to suicide, will find help through the VA.
This campaign aims to connect veterans and their families with suicide prevention resources on ODVA’s website where veterans and those who care for them can:
• Become aware of suicidal ideation warning signs and when/where to seek crisis services
• Learn about preventative and educational resources and information including self-assessment tools
• Connect to resources
Below hear from veterans who have courageously sought help from the VA for behavioral health challenges and share their journey and challenges with others in hopes of encouraging others to Make the Connection to the VA.
• LGBTQ+: https://youtu.be/vX6THnaNDGc
• Women: https://youtu.be/NFsFv2ZNy68
• Aging: https://youtu.be/4tvGj8FVaEw
• Homeless: https://youtu.be/6uzDrnsdpOo
• Family Members of Veterans: https://youtu.be/Cr1zFFxuAk8
• Mental Health Treatment Options at VA: https://youtu.be/YZ9jvUgLW-4
• Drug Misuse: Signs of a Mental Health Challenge: https://youtu.be/5I46ar0oFi4
• Strength to Overcome PTSD and MST: https://youtu.be/IL4ZBIdNK80
A recent report found that those receiving care from the VA were 16% less likely to die by suicide. The availability and use of behavioral health and crisis resources for veterans include raising awareness around important topics related to suicide, including what resources are available and effective for veterans. Below are resources and information available to veterans, their families, and loved ones.
Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at www.oregon.gov/odva.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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