Page 25 - Scene Magazine 4501 January 2020

Local Interest
The U.S. Department of Veter-
ans Affairs (VA) has added two new information summaries to its Together We Can series: “Coping With a Suicide Loss” and “Talking to Children About a Suicide or Suicide Attempt of Someone They Know.” In the wake of a suicide, family members, friends, caregivers, and co-workers may process grief dif- ferently. Talking about what happened, expressing emotions, and seeking the support of a mental health professional are important to facilitate recovery.
“Coping With a Suicide Loss” focus- es on what Veterans, their families, and caregivers can do in the aftermath of a suicide death. For instance, bereaving Veterans, family members, and care- givers can contact a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at a local VA medical center, seek out a mental health provid- er, or local support group. You may also want to consider participating in the VA Family Interview Program. VA’s Fam- ily Interview Program seeks to better understand why Veterans die by suicide to inform suicide prevention efforts
and enhance care for all Veterans. To participate or gather more information about VA’s Family Interview Program contact a Family Interview Coordinator at 585-393-7662.
“Talking to Children Who Have Been Affected By Suicide or Attempted Suicide of Someone They Know” pro- vides important information on how to talk to children of different ages about a suicide death or attempt. Children expe- rience the same emotions as adults but may be unable to adequately process, verbalize, or understand them. Talking to children and allowing them to ask questions and guide the conversation may help alleviate their concerns.
The “Together We Can: Suicide Prevention Information for Veterans, Their Families, and Caregivers” series is backed by scientific findings and ex- plores some of the common suicide risk and protective factors that affect Vet- erans. The series offers resources and practical steps families and caregivers can take to Be There for a Veteran in their lives. View the “Together We Can” series at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/sui- cideprevention/resources.asp.
Some examples of VA’s suicide pre- vention resources and programs include: • Expanding the Veterans Crisis Line to
three call centers and more than 700 employees, increasing their ability to provide 24/7 support.
• Implementing the Mayor’s Challenge to empower cities nationwide to build coalitions to prevent Veteran suicide. Calhoun County has started these efforts.
• Partnering with the departments of Defense and Homeland Security, as mandated by Executive Order 13822, to support Veterans during their tran- sition from military to civilian life.
The health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans and former service members is VA’s highest priority. Guid- ed by data and research, VA is working with partners, Veterans’ family mem- bers and friends, and the community to ensure that Veterans and former service members get the right care whenever they need it. To learn about the resourc- es available for Veterans and how you can Be There as a VA employee,
family member, friend, community partner, or clinician, visit www.men- talhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/ resources.asp. Download and share the useful Together We Can information sheets. Check back every month for new additions to the series.
The Battle Creek VAMC is classified as a neuropsychiatric facility and is the hub of mental health care for VA Med- ical Centers in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Battle Creek VAMC provides state-of-the-art, evidence-based, recov- ery-oriented mental health care. The Medical Center also offers a wide variety of health care services, which includes both inpatient and outpatient care.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention avail- able 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
“Together We Can” Information Sheets Available From VA