Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

During September each year, we amplify this important message. According to VA Secretary Robert Wilke, Suicide among Veterans is the “most important task” for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In Minnesota, we also have recognized this issue, in light of more than 100 Minnesota Veterans dying by suicide annually from 2014 - 2018.

Suicide prevention has affected me personally as well. I am grateful to share two success stories.

As a Battery Commander in the 1990s, I became aware of a soldier in my unit who was acting strangely. My First Sergeant and I talked to this young man and through our conversation, it was clear that he needed help. We connected him to the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and he got the important help that he needed. We caught this situation just in time. After several months, the soldier returned to the Battery and was again a contributing member of the unit.

In 2006, during a deployment to Iraq, a soldier in our Headquarters Company was showing symptoms such as not communicating with other members of the Company. His demeanor had changed, and he was despondent. Because others in our Company had noticed his behavior and reported it, we were able to intervene. We ensured that he no longer had to carry a rifle while remaining on the forward operating base and brought him to the troop medical clinic for an evaluation. He had a plan and we were able to stop him from hurting himself. Through treatment and support, he was able to return to the unit as a productive member of the team.

Unfortunately, not all of our active military or Veterans have this outcome. MDVA is working to change that.

At a recent training session for participants of the “Governor’s Challenge” to eliminate Veteran death by suicide, the Minnesota team led by MDVA Healthcare Quality Director Paula Newinski created a poster board to summarize our efforts. Key to this work will be collaboration among the many organizations working to end Veteran suicide. In Minnesota, our strength is many different State, Federal, Military and civilian groups are working collaboratively to end deaths by suicide.

In Minnesota, we also observe a date unique to our state. October 3 will be the second annual Minnesota Veterans Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day. This day was established during the 2019 Legislative session. We will be encouraging everyone to take the PREVENTS pledge to support Veteran suicide prevention.

You can take the pledge at https://www.wearewithinreach.net/pledge/. The pledge states:

“By taking this pledge, you are making a commitment to increase awareness of mental health issues in general and prevent suicide for all Americans… pledge to do my part to help change the national conversation around mental health and suicide by:

• Learning about suicide risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs;
• Promoting and initiating conversations about PREVENTS’ resources, efforts and activities;
• Supporting efforts where and how I can;
• Encouraging others to utilize PREVENTS’ resources;
• Using safe messaging;
• Inspiring other individuals to take the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH; and
• Practicing and encouraging lethal means safe storage

Let’s work together to help end Veteran suicide.

As always, if you need more information on suicide prevention or any other Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

MDVA is here to serve Minnesota Veterans during this challenging time.

If you or a loved one is presently struggling, please call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press“1” or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

Thank YOU for your service!